The rookie wide receiver is still waiting for his first touchdown, but he's making big plays on a weekly basis, and showing a feel for the position that most first-year players don't.

The former Panthers quarterback and league MVP won a Heisman and led Auburn to a national championship in 2010, before he was the first overall pick here.

The team is elevating cornerback Keion Crossen and offensive lineman Brandon Walton for Sunday's game, and wide receiver Jalen Coker has been downgraded to out for this week.

Wheeler played safety here in the late 1990s, but what he really wants to talk about is the importance of Crucial Catch weekend, and early detection, since he's a prostate cancer survivor.

Rico Dowdle is up again, after a record performance, to the defense trying to slow down the league's No. 1 offense, here are five things to watch as the Panthers take on the Cowboys. 

Two starters on offense are listed as questionable for Sunday, providing an exciting possibility for the Panthers should they return. Plus, Dave Canales on running "violently" and the balance of facing familiar players.

The Panthers game will air on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.

The Panthers are going with a brand new combination this weekend against the Cowboys, one they've never worn in a game. But the all-blue vibes are good.

The Panthers will be without their starting running back and right tackle this weekend, along with defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton and cornerback Akayleb Evans.

Ahead of the newest Blueprint episode on the rookie class, catch up with the Panthers' rookies to see how they're adapting to the NFL, who they believe won the rookie talent show, and more.