Word out of the Carolina Panthers' first few days of practice is Laviska Shenault Jr. could be more of a gadget player in 2023. 

The wideout has been doing individual drills with running backs during training camp, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Shenault has earned several carries each season he's been in the league. But the Panthers are looking for more ways to get him the ball. The 24-year-old could see more designed looks from the running back position — making him a multi-use player within new head coach Frank Reich's offense. 

“We do think Laviska is a guy that can be versatile,” Reich said Wednesday. “We’ll dip our toe in the water on some of that stuff and see how it goes. That’s something that doesn’t have to be in full bloom in Week 1. That can be in the beginning stages in training camp, and then the more success and momentum it gets you build it.”

Laviska Shenault taking individual drills with the RBs. He’s going to touch the ball a good bit this year.

He was in the backfield during yesterday’s team drills, lined up there and motioning into some two-back looks. A lot of different ways to use him.

— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 27, 2023

Reich has a history of utilizing players with Shenault's abilities in hybrid gadget roles. During his tenure with the Colts, Reich used Parris Campbell and Nyheim Hines in wideout-running back hybrid roles. 

Though Reich has a history of finding versatile players and figuring out how to get them the ball, he is focused on putting Shenault in a position where he can be the best version of himself. 

What adds an interesting thread to Shenault's training camp snaps with the running back is that previously, Reich compared him to San Francisco 49ers do-it-all gadget star Deebo Samuel. 

He suggested that Shenault could do some “stuff” similar to what Samuel has done for the 49ers.

As it turns out, Reich is putting his money where his mouth is and at least giving Shenault a shot to do more within the offense. 

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Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.