Carolina Panthers undrafted rookie running back Raheem Blackshear will see more playing time in Week 8, per head coach Steve Wilks.
Wilks said he has a "lot of confidence" in Blackshear to contribute to the Panthers' backfield committee after Chuba Hubbard was ruled out with an ankle injury. D'Onta Foreman will lead the way, but Blackshear should have some opportunities to show off what he has to offer. Blackshear rushed for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns on 24 carries for the Buffalo Bills in the preseason.
numberFire's models project Foreman for 15.5 touches and 72.1 yards on Sunday while Blackshear is projected for 7.2 touches and 32.2 yards. The Falcons have the best run defense in our advanced team metrics, compared to the No. 21 pass defense, creating a potential funnel for P.J. Walker and the Panthers' pass offense.
Source: Joe Person, The Athletic