The Carolina Panthers have a pretty good problem in Laviska Shenault Jr. But it may take some time to find a solution.
On Thursday, following the latest installment of organized team activities, head coach Frank Reich was asked about how he plans on using the versatile wideout. While he didn’t have a concrete answer (or at least didn’t disclose one) Reich offered an interesting take on Shenault Jr.’s skills, which have gone a bit untapped to this point in his young career.
“I think Laviska has been one of those guys out here that’s looked good,” he said. “We’ll continue to investigate the different roles that he can play. Obviously, even if we had this grandiose plan . . . which maybe we do. But I wouldn’t reveal that here, now—all the different ways you can use him.
“You look at guys like Deebo Samuel and stuff like that and you say, ‘Well, can Laviska do some of that stuff?’ Of course he can. We’ll experiment with some of that stuff. We’ll experiment with some of that stuff and see—some of it will get incorporated and some of it won’t.”
Shenault Jr., who was acquired last August, incorporated a few big plays into the Carolina offense last season. From the 67-yard touchdown on his very first Panthers reception in Week 3 to his 41-yard dash to the end zone against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, the former second-round pick showed electric flashes of how far the ball can go when it’s in his hands.
Although they’re void of a clear No. 1 target, the Panthers are carrying somewhat of a crowded receiving room. Between himself, Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo—Shenault Jr. will have to work for his keep.
But it seems that Reich and his staff are working towards keeping their multi-purpose weapon involved.
