Panthers training camp 2018: Curtis Samuel has work cut out

On Wednesday Carolina Panthers Hats , Curtis Samuel passed his physical and was finally cleared to participate in training camp practice after recovering from left ankle surgery. His return only makes for a more diverse and talented receiving corps. While Samuel has had positive outings since he was cleared, he still has a journey ahead of him as he pleads his case on the depth chart. The No. 40 overall pick from Ohio State only caught seven passes for 70 yards in his first nine games as a rookie. On November 13, Samuel appeared to be on the right track in the Panthers victory over Miami when he had five catches for 45 yards in the first half.But then, in the third quarter, Samuel went down with a season-ending injury after getting his ankle twisted underneath a defender. Although it was his first season in the NFL, Samuel didn’t exactly stand out. This year, he won’t have nine games to warm up if he wants a role as the No. 2 receiver (behind presumably Devin Funchess). Being a second round draft pick, the expectations are set higher for Samuel because we know he has the skill set.Even without Samuel, Cam Newton has plenty of weapons to choose from in this receiving core. With the trade of Kelvin Benjamin to the Bills last year, Funchess really stepped up and had an impressive season. In the offseason, the Panthers added veteran Torrey Smith to the group, as well as Jarius Wright and rookie first round pick D.J. Moore. Not to mention Carolina Panthers Hoodie , Panthers also have Damiere Byrd. Each receiver is capable of producing in this Panthers’ offense, only adding to the competition.Injuries are messy, especially after surgery. Samuel has only been back for a few days, who’s to know yet if his ankle is truly at 100%. It might’ve been a short time, but Samuel is also now nearly a week behind in practice. Considering the Panthers have a new offensive coordinator in Norv Turner, this could prove to be more important than not.Panthers 2018 season opener countdown: 23 days to go We are 23 days away from the beginning of the Carolina Panthers 2018 season. That means today we take a closer look at cornerback LaDarius Gunter.LaDarius Gunter, CornerbackBioHeight: 6’2”Weight: 200 lbsAge: 26College: Miami (FL)NFL Experience: 4 yearsLaDarius Gunter was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2015 and was claimed off waivers by the Panthers in Week 2 of 2017 after being waived by the Packers. Here’s a brief summary of his career, courtesy of the Panthers’ website:The Panthers re-signed Gunter to a one-year contract in 2018 to compete for a spot in the secondary. He suffered a concussion in the team’s preseason opener against the Bills and is currently in the concussion protocol.It’s hard to predict whether or not he’ll make the 53-man roster at this point because it all depends on how quickly he progresses through the concussion protocol. If he can get clearance to return to action before the preseason is over, he stands a good chance to make the team since he’s a decent depth option at cornerback and can play special teams. But, if his concussion lingers too long the Panthers will have to go with another option.