Carolina Panthers cornerback Akayleb Evans
Carolina Panthers cornerback Akayleb Evans | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Carolina Panthers are struggling at cornerback, and they are on a short week. However, the change some fans are demanding may be happening almost by default.
When Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. went down with long-term injuries, the Panthers opted to keep things in-house. There was no panic, and general manager Dan Morgan opted to trust the options available rather than seek outside assistance.
This plan was flawed.
Akayleb Evans injury could force Carolina Panthers' welcome cornerback switch
Rookie fourth-rounder Will Lee III has flashed moments of promise, but Akayleb Evans has been a disaster on the other side. He is a strong special-teams presence, but the veteran is not a capable starter or even a rotational piece.
Making alterations on a short week is typically difficult.
Practice time is limited, and the intensity isn't exactly high. Couple this with the travel before Carolina visits Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers, and it only complicates matters.
Fans have seen enough of Evans in a starting role. He's been targeted as a weak link with great success. The Panthers don't have many alternatives, but enough is enough.
Fortunately, they might get their wish.
Head coach Dave Canales said Evans is day-to-day with a triceps injury and a knee issue. He was listed as a projected non-participant at Monday's practice, so the chances of him featuring on Thursday Night Football are remote.
Carolina Panthers fans should be careful what they wish for amid cornerback turmoil
That could be a blessing in disguise.
But be careful what you wish for.
Without Evans, the Panthers will have no option but to give more reps to Chau Smith-Wade. He got one snap against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and only two snaps versus the Philadelphia Eagles. The Washington State product has intriguing athletic qualities, but he's undersized, and his physicality is sometimes lacking.
The Panthers could (and should) also call up Corey Thornton from the practice squad.
Green Bay has a plethora of quick receivers who can cause havoc. Thornton has the strength to get them off their routes, and his rookie campaign was encouraging before injuries dented his momentum. He didn't do enough to make the roster, but the Panthers have few options.
It would be sink-or-swim scenarios for both Smith-Wade and Thornton if they are tasked with more, with the national NFL spotlight glaring. And this situation will be at the forefront of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur's game-planning for the contest.
Jackson and Horn are expected back at some stage. Just when that will be is anyone's guess, but if the Panthers struggle again, Morgan cannot afford to sit on his hands.
The Panthers need help at their mini-bye if their corners keep struggling. Whether that's with a free agent, a trade, or snatching someone off another practice squad, nothing else will suffice.
Fans are no doubt thankful they won't have to see Evans on the field on Thursday. But nothing is certain when it comes to his possible replacement.
And the Panthers brought this problem on themselves.