Rookie Grier will start for Panthers Sunday vs. Colts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> Will Grier grew up cheering on wide receiver Steve Smith from the stands at Carolina Panthers’ home games, where his family had season tickets.

On Sunday, the lifelong Panthers fan will make his first NFL start when Carolina visits the Indianapolis

Colts (6-8). Panthers interim coach Perry Fewell named Grier the starter after Thursday’s practice, an announcement that was pretty much a foregone conclusion after Grier received all of the firstteam reps this week.

“I’m extremely excited to go get that game experience,” Grier said. “Camp and preseason is one thing. It’s a grind. I’m excited to actually play in a full game.”

Grier replaces Kyle Allen, who has lost his past six starts and thrown 11 interceptions during that span.

A third-round pick out of West Virginia, Grier started the season No. 3 on the depth chart behind Cam Newton and Allen. He hasn’t played since the preseason, where he was 34 of 61 for 385 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

With the Panthers out of playoff contention, offensive coordinator Scott Turner said the time “felt right” to give Grier a shot and find out what he can do.

“We think a lot of Will and that is why we drafted him where we did,” Turner said. “We have been developing him all year. He has been ready to go since Week 3 (when he moved into the backup role). I think it is just good for him to get out and play.”

Turner said there will be no limitations on the playbook with Grier taking over at quarterback, adding that “we will run the plays that work and he them.”

Grier hasn’t taken many snaps with the first team until this week because the team has been getting Allen as much work as possible in practice since he is a young QB who has needed to develop as well. Grier said it’s fun getting a chance to play with the starters in practice. will execute