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 David Gettis.
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.
“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.