The Carolina Panthers acquired wideout Laviska Shenault Jr. two weeks ago, perhaps with the hopes of kickstarting their offense and the former second-rounder’s career. But that kickstart won’t come just yet.
As announced by the team, Shenault will be inactive for today’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns. His debut, one presumably paused as he continues to download offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s system, will now have to wait.
This gives the Panthers and quarterback Baker Mayfield a total of six receivers to work with in Week 1—DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson, Rashard Higgins, Terrace Marshall Jr., Shi Smith and Andre Roberts.
The 23-year-old will be joined by five teammates on the sideline on Sunday. Here is the full list of inactives for Carolina:
- DE Amaré Barno
- OL Cade Mays
- DT Marquan McCall
- LB Arron Mosby
- WR Laviska Shenault Jr.
- TE Stephen Sullivan
In addition, Mosby’s status likely means rookie linebacker Brandon Smith—who was listed on Friday’s injury report with a hip issue—is a go.
As for Cleveland’s inactives:
- OT Jack Conklin
- OT Chris Hubbard
- RB D’Ernest Johnson
- S Richard LeCounte III
- QB Kellen Mond
- DE Isaiah Thomas
- WR Michael Woods II
