08-24-2021, 07:30 PM -
Good for him. He's made several great plays in the Preseason so far. This gives him a chance to stick around on the team and gives us another weapon we seriously need.
![[Image: g7g4vtrsmfqhfc1cftsp.jpg]](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop/f_auto/panthers/g7g4vtrsmfqhfc1cftsp.jpg)
— 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."
Backup linebacker Clay Johnston was also wearing 8 in practice, but that was more about game-planning for the Steelers, to get offensive players used to looking for Melvin Ingram.
— 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."
Backup linebacker Clay Johnston was also wearing 8 in practice, but that was more about game-planning for the Steelers, to get offensive players used to looking for Melvin Ingram.