The Carolina Panthers are coming off a bye week and are hoping to build off the momentum of their last game which saw a 38-0 whitewashing of the New York Giants.
Panthers’ Kenjon Barner will be used as scatback, says coach Ron Rivera
Carolina is giving some help to DeAngelo Williams with the speedy Barner in the backfield.
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
To that point, coach Ron Rivera is saying that Kenjon Barner, a rookie running back out of Oregon, is going to see his first career action against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.
Rivera sees Barner as a home run hitter who can force defenses to make a tough play, per the AP:
“He’s a guy with great hands out of the backfield,” Rivera said. “He’s an elusive runner when he gets the ball in his hands. He has home run potential out in open space and that’s where you have some tough matchups.”
Barner had been out since training camp with a sprained foot, but now appears green-lighted. Known during his college career for having major speed, Barner will be used as a change-of-pace type back to give DeAngelo Williams a rest once in a while.
While certainly excited, Barner says he has been feeling a bevy of emotions on top of that, per the piece:
”I’ve been anxious to get back,’ Barner said. “I’ve been nervous. I’ve irritated, annoyed and everything that you can be. So to finally have the opportunity to step out on that field I’m extremely excited. I want to bring some energy to the team.”
Arizona will provide a very stiff test, as it is second in the league in rushing yards per attempt allowed (3.0).
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