Operating as blocking tight end Ricci has been active for both of the Panthers' first two games of the season, logging no targets across 27 total offensive snaps. Impact As the lack of targets illustrate, Ricci, a second-year player out of Western Michigan, has been deployed mainly as a blocker at tight end or out of the backfield over his limited work on offense. The 24-year-old looks like a core special-teams player at this stage, as he's played 39 snaps between the Panthers' coverage and returns units. Ricci isn't entirely devoid of pass-catching upside -- he hauled in 51 balls for 642 yards and eight touchdowns in his final season of college in 2019 -- but it'll take multiple injuries at tight end before he takes on any sort of meaningful role on offense.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
