Laviska Shenault News

Shenault was traded from the Jaguars prior to Week 1. Although he was inactive for Carolina's first two games, Shenault scored a 67-yard touchdown on his team debut. While he had two more plays of 40-plus yards during the season, the strong-running Shenault didn't produce much overall as a reserve receiver in an underwhelming offense, enduring a dip after starting his career with consecutive campaigns of over 650 scrimmage yards.. With 2023 being the final year of his rookie contract, the former second-round pick will strive to expand his role as the Panthers potentially introduce a new coaching staff and starting quarterback this offseason.

Shenault struggled to make an impact while fellow depth wideout Shi Smith enjoyed his best game of the season, catching four targets for 70 yards and a score. To end the campaign, Shenault will face a Saints defense that he caught two passes for 90 yards and a touchdown against while making his Panthers debut in Week 3.

Shenault's output included a long gain of 43 yards. After finishing his last game with no touches, Shenault rebounded well Saturday and now sports three plays of 40-plus yards from his depth wideout role.

Shenault suited up despite being listed with a shoulder injury during the week. Ultimately, though, he only featured for 13 offensive snaps, enabling Shi Smith to assume third-wideout duties for the Panthers.

Shenault was listed as questionable heading into the weekend after the shoulder issue limited his participation in practices Wednesday through Friday, but the versatile wideout ultimately received the green light for Sunday. In the two games since Sam Darnold took over as Carolina's starting quarterback, Shenault has accrued six receptions for 50 yards on six targets while carrying twice for nine yards.

Shenault has made a couple huge plays for the Panthers this year but still hasn't seen more than 42 percent of snaps or six targets in any one game. He took more work from No. 3 receiver Shi Smith the past couple weeks, so it's possible Shenault takes the job for himself at some point before the end of the season if his shoulder checks out. Either way, there's no real path to more than four or five targets per game.