Similarly to safety/linebacker/cornerback/slot defender Jeremy Chinn, wide receiver/running back Laviska Shenault Jr. is a Swiss Army knife for the Carolina Panthers. But also like Chinn, Shenault Jr. is a Swiss Army knife that the Carolina Panthers are still figuring out how to use.
Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown was asked about the versatile weapon by Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer on Thursday. He went on to praise Shenault Jr. for his flexible game.
“To me, he just plays ball,” Brown replied. “I think when it comes to evaluatin’ his tape before, he’s probably the most effective guy we have on offense when it comes to creatin’ for himself. We talk about bein’ able to create explosives, break tackles, make guys miss. He’s super talented when it comes to that.
“So tryin’ to find as many ways as possible to hone in on a specific role, move him around. He’s kind of a position-less player. We play him at all three spot receiver-wise plus tailback as well. So, very versatile guy for us.”
The former second-round pick may be versatile, but he isn’t too busy. Shenault Jr. has played in 21.2 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, which currently stands as a career-low.
In those looks, Shenault Jr. has recorded four receptions for 28 yards and has rushed 11 times for 53. So, with starter Miles Sanders currently dealing with a shoulder injury, perhaps Shenault Jr. (and his strong average of 4.8 yards per carry) could get even more chances to just play ball this weekend.
