NFL Rumors: Does Armanti Edwards Have a Starting Spot in his Future?

Former Appalachian State University quarterback Armanti Edwards now turned NFL wide receiver/punt returner with the Carolina Panthers is starting to make a name for himself as a potential candidate for Carolina’s most vulnerable offensive position, the role of the third wide receiver.

The Panthers have had trouble getting any kind of production from their third wide receiver this season. No one has stepped up and taken a strangle hold on the crucial role.

Edwards might be the guy to step-up and take control of it. The third receiver position is still way up for grabs and it appears Edwards might have an inside beat at landing the opportunity.

The third year pro didn’t make his first catch until this season in week four against the Atlanta Falcons, a 12-yard grab on his only target of the game. Since then Edwards has begun to become more active on the field, his most notable catch this season coming in week nine against the Washington Redskins. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sold a play action pass early in the fourth quarter, hitting a wide-open Edwards for an 82-yard pickup and one that all but sealed Carolina’s eventual road win over Washington.

Edwards has yet to find the end-zone, but that might be because he hasn’t had too many chances to make a name for himself as a viable option as a wide receiver. That might have something to do with the fact that he played quarterback in college and had to transition into an entirely different position in the pros.

Edwards has proven to be a true professional during his transition, learning and working hard at his new job. The Panthers have taken notice of his dynamic athletic ability and with no one stepping up to take control of becoming the team’s third wide receiver, it might be time for Edwards to get his chance.

First, Edwards must get healthy for Carolina’s week 11 showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Edwards did not participate during the Panthers’ practice on Thursday due to what the team is calling a groin injury.

Although, Edwards did see the practice field on Friday and the Panthers currently have him listed as “probable” for Sunday, which is a good indication that he will play this weekend, forcing Panthers head coach Ron Rivera to make a decision as to which receivers will play.

At this point, Edwards seems like a logical choice to get a chance to start this Sunday.

Robert Kester, Carolina Panthers Columnist. Contact @robertkester1