We may have a Fullback on the roster

[NAS]

Per Darrin Gantt

Tight end Giovanni Ricci is a fullback now, changing his number from 87 to 40.

The Panthers don't have a pure fullback on the roster, and Rhule said this gives Ricci a chance to prove himself beyond his solid play on special teams.

"I did that just to change the way the offensive staff looks at him," Rhule said of Ricci's switch. "He's done a good job so far. He's playing well on special teams. And if you play well on special teams, you have to find a role for guys.

"We like our tight end room, and we've been searching for a fullback; we'll continue to look at other guys, but Gio has a chance to help us."
 

[Camp Fodder]

[RJK]

Tremble is trembling 

[Mr. Scot]

Wonder if they've thought about trying Ian Thomas in that spot

[kungfoodude]

3 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Wonder if they've thought about trying Ian Thomas in that spot

How about Joey Slye?

[Ocpanthertew714]

FB is a dying position.

Not surprised about the lack of emphasis of having a "true FB" on the roster.

[PanthersGTI]

I like the thought on roster building here. Try and maximize what you have. It's been preached non stop here. Versatility.

[Mr. Scot]

18 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

How about Joey Slye?

I hear Dontari Poe is available.

[Khyber53]

8 hours ago, Mr. Scot said:

Wonder if they've thought about trying Ian Thomas in that spot

He hasn't exactly made a name for himself with blocking, either. I think Ian needs to be someone else's project. 

He's our team's version of the '66 Mustang rusting under a tarp at the back of our driveway. Time to let it go and free up the space. We're never getting that thing back on the road.

[therealmjl]

Probably just trying to give him an opportunity to make the team. 
 

That special teams play he made was nice. 

[OldhamA]

Which translates as "you ain't making the roster as a TE. You've got one game to prove you can block or you're toast".

[jayboogieman]

8 hours ago, Ocpanthertew714 said:

FB is a dying position.

People have been saying this for years and yet the position keeps on trucking.

[Leeroy Jenkins Ph.D.]

I don't believe the fullback position will disappear from football, but it is going to definitely evolve. Where that position used to be an extremely large, short yardage specialist who could block, will now need to have those characteristics plus the ability to move in space, run a particular route tree, and contribute on special teams.

[NAS]

Kind of off topic, but I don't think they should award pro bowl awards for Fullback anymore and need to give it to another WR position.