Laviska Shenault Jr.’s role with the Carolina Panthers hasn’t really been clear. After all, he hadn’t even been active prior to today’s Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.
But one thing does remain apparent about the third-year wideout—his skill when the rock in his hands.
After holding New Orleans off the scoreboard for three quarters, the Carolina defense finally cracked—allowing a 5-yard touchdown to running back Mark Ingram with 12:31 remaining in the game. The score cut the Panthers’ lead to 13-7.
So, needing a response, Shenault Jr. would be the man to answer.
The former second-round pick began the following possession with a fine kick return—a 36-yard take that set his offense up at their own 33-yard line. Then, two plays later, Shenault Jr. would haul in a quick swing pass from quarterback Baker Mayfield—the very first catch of his Panthers career— and proceeded to do the rest . . .
And he just kept going…@Viska2live pic.twitter.com/70voJqgLaD
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 25, 2022
The score gave Carolina a 19-7 lead at the 12:06 mark of the fourth quarter.