The Facts:
Ron Rivera views Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell as his starting receivers. The Panthers’ coach is anxious to see who steps up to claim the No. 3 spot.
Rivera hopes it will be Gettis. “Brandon is going to do the things he did last year, so we need to find that guy who can come in and be that other threat,” Rivera said. “Once we establish who that other guy is it’s going to help our offense. I think David is well on his way right now as long as he continues to work on it and regain that confidence” in his knee.
Reported by the Gaston Gazette
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Gettis, entering his third season, missed all of last season with a torn ACL after starting 15 games as a rookie in 2010. He’s back on the practice field now and said he’s “close” to 100 percent, which is good news for Cam Newton and company. Rivera believes Gettis can stretch the field and take pressure off Smith, who enjoyed a renaissance of sorts last season reaching his fifth Pro Bowl while playing alongside Newton and under innovative offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Gettis said the plan is wear a brace on his left knee for the entire season. He began straight-line running about two months ago. He started cutting for the first time last week in organized team activities, although trainers have been cautious with him doing too much too soon. "It’s a work in progress,” said Gettis, who expects to be 100 percent when training camp begins July 29.
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