Sherrod

Martin

The Panthers believe Nakamura can push incumbent starter Sherrod Martin, who’s coming off a disappointing 2011 campaign. Primarily a special teamer, Nakamura played behind safeties Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard in Baltimore. He managed just 39 defensive snaps last season.

Nakamura has been a premier special teamer since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2008. He played just 39 defensive snaps last year, according to Pro Football Focus, but Nakamura has the skills to merit a bigger role. Coming off a disappointing season, FS Sherrod Martin could be on the hot seat.

Martin struggled badly at times last season, missing tackles and giving up too many big plays. Although Martin may have the edge in coverage skills, Nakamura is better in run support.

Martin is “on alert” after the Panthers signed Haruki Nakamura and Reggie Smith, but still has the inside track to a starting job. It’s possible Martin and Nakamura could end up splitting snaps, with Martin playing obvious passing downs and Nakamura obvious running downs.

The two rotated series and the competition figures to run well into the preseason. Nakamura was signed to a three-year deal in March after spending a majority of the last four seasons as a special teamer in Baltimore.

The Panthers threw the position open to competition and Ed Reed’s former backup won out. The coaching staff cites Nakamura’s play-making ability, communication and postseason pedigree as his greatest assets. Martin was a liability as a 2011 starter, missing too many tackles.

Nakamura has been toasted relentlessly since “beating out” Sherrod Martin in camp. Rivera said Martin would see increased first-team reps in practice this week. Martin played poorly both in coverage and against the run as a starter last season. The Panthers aren’t going to fix their mess with either player.

“They’re concerned about the knee, obviously,” coach Ron Rivera said. “He’ll get X-rays and MRIs and then we’ll know more as far as that’s concerned.” Martin’s snaps had increased of late while Haruki Nakamura’s have been scaled back.

Martin tore both his ACL and MCL during Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs. It’s a brutal injury as his rookie contract is up after this season. The 2009 second-rounder had been seeing increased snaps ahead of Haruki Nakamura lately. Martin’s 2012 season ends with 23 tackles and three pass breakups.

Martin visited the Chiefs in early April, but hadn’t been heard from since. The 28-year-old was selected by the Panthers 59th overall in the 2009 draft.