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Panthers defensive end/linebacker Christian Miller is the second player on the team who has decided to opt-out of playing in the 2020 NFL season over concerns about COVID-19.
Miller released a statement, calling it an emotional and extremely tough decision. He says he has confidence in coach Matt Rhule and can’t wait to return to the team in 2021.
Statement from #Panthers Christian Miller on opting out of the 2020 season: pic.twitter.com/2m30wt0rF7
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 3, 2020
Losing Miller doesn’t help, but Carolina’s edge rotation should be able to absorb subtracting him without too much of a problem.
Last season, Miller was only on the field for 91 defensive snaps, or 8% of the team’s total. The defenders who stand to benefit most are Efe Obada and Marquis Haynes, who will compete for reps behind Brian Burns and whoever winds up starting on the other side of the defensive line.
There are now around 40 players across the league who have opted-out. The final deadline is still being negotiated, which is another way to say the NFL is moving the goal posts.
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