Panthers 2018 season opener countdown: 11 days to go There are just 11 days until the Panthers kick off the 2018 regular season. Today’s player is wide receiver Torrey Smith.Torrey Smith
Womens David Mayo Jersey , Wide receiverBioHeight: 6’0”Weight: 205 lbsAge: 29College: MarylandNFL Experience: 8 yearsSmith came to Carolina in a trade that sent cornerback Darryl Worley to the Eagles. Since his arrival, Smith has made an impression for two different reasons: making plays in practice and being out spoken on issues about which he is passionate.He was acquired by the Panthers for much the same reasons as new teammate Jarius Wright. Since then, he has stepped up in training camp and earned the No. 2 receiver s

pot. Both Smith and Wright provide a boost of speed and a solid veteran presence in the wide receiver’s room. Smith had a bit of a down year last year, numbers wise, with an Eagles offense that was happy to spread the ball around, but don’t let that fool you. He is only 29 and not too far removed from his days as a top wide out in Baltimore. There is no guarantee that he will hold on to the starting job opposite Devin Funchess for the whole season, but he has shown the skill for it in the past and — for now — it is his job to lose.Off the field is a much easier story to tell
Womens Devin Funchess Jersey , if new owner David Tepper doesn’t batten down the hatches on his team’s public communications the way his predecessor did. Smith is trying to move the player’s movements for social justice from protests on the field towards actions in the community through his work with the Player’s Coalition. He has also taken the time to explain the simple difference between protesting during the national anthem and protesting the national anthem. A clear and passionate voice speaking to common issues is exactly what sports should elevate. Torrey Smith is that. I, for one, am hoping that he plays well enough this year on the football field to merit keeping his voice in the Carolinas for years to come.Panthers add quarterback Connor Cook to practice squad; Kendrick Norton and Jeremiah Sirles released The Panthers have made some moves along the fringe of the roster, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer.The injury settlement with Sirles comes as a bit of a surprise, as the move suggests that the versatile lineman wasn’t in the Panthers’ plans despite starting the team’s penultimate preseason contest. Depending on the severity of Sirles’ injury and the terms of the settlement, the Panthers could technically re-sign him later this season, but that kind of move rarely happens. The addition of quarterback Connor Cook to the practice squad gives the Panthers four quarterbacks across the active roster and practice squad. To make room for Michigan State’s all time leading passer
Womens James Bradberry Jersey , the Panthers waived 2018 seventh round pick Kendrick Norton. It’s usually not a good look for a team to cut a draft pick in their first season, but at the 242nd selection Norton was nothing more than a glorified undrafted free agent. As for Cook, he was selected in the 4th round of the 2016 draft by the Oakland Raiders, where he spent the first two seasons of his career. His first NFL action came in the final game of the 2016 season, where he filled in for an injured Matt McGloin. Against a tough Broncos defense, the rookie completed 14 of 21 passes for 150 yards, 1 touchdown
Youth DJ Moore Jersey , and 1 interception. The following week he made his first career start, the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to do so in a playoff game, against the Houston Texans, and it did not go well. He completed just 18 of 45 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown to go along with three interceptions as the Raiders lost the contest 27-14. He didn’t see the field in 2017 and was released by the Raiders last week after they traded for AJ McCarron. Despite the early ups and downs, Cook comes with more NFL pedigree than any quarterback on the Panthers roster not named Cam Newton. He might prove to not have it what it takes to succeed in the NFL, but it’s good to see the Panthers take a flier on a young quarterback with a decent amount of potential.