4 Takeaways From Panthers' Latest Depth Chart Release

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Bryce Lazenby | Last updated Aug 18, 2026 4:45 PM ET

The Carolina Panthers played their second preseason game over the weekend, and it wasn’t the prettiest showing.

The Panthers had a tough time with the Buffalo Bills, in a game they lost 29-14. It still provided a learning experience, though, and gave us an idea of how certain roster battles could play out.

Each week, the Panthers release a new depth chart. The latest iteration has been released, and it presumably factors in what happened over the weekend. Today, let’s go over four main takeaways from the new depth chart.

Chuba Hubbard Still RB1

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) © Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

There was the potential for a shakeup in the running back room. Jonathon Brooks has been running with the ones, and Chuba Hubbard missed the Bills game with a hamstring injury.

Presumably, Brooks could have jumped into the RB1 role with a strong showing. Instead, Brooks remains penciled in at RB2 after the entire ground game had a dismal showing in preseason Week 1.

I still think Brooks could take over eventually, but it seems like that won’t happen until after the season begins.

Ja’seem Reed Still Has Work to Do

Perhaps no receiver on the team has been talked about more than Ja’seem Reed over the last month. The receiver has impressed all summer and has firmly worked himself onto the bubble.

Reed has a touchdown in both preseason contests and head coach Dave Canales has praised him multiple times. On the most recent depth chart, though Reed is still listed as a third stringer.

The top six receivers are Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, David Moore, Brycen Tremayne, and Jimmy Horn Jr, with Reed coming in right behind them. This means Reed has to keep performing to leap Horn.

Cam Jackson Still Holding Off Lee Hunter

Nov 8, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive lineman Lee Hunter (2) reacts in the second half of the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn ImagesMichael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

One of the bigger surprises is that second-round rookie Lee Hunter isn’t listed as a starter, especially with the injuries on the defensive line.

Tershawn Wharton is still out, and Bobby Brown III missed the first two weeks of camp. Even still, Hunter was unable to stand out enough to snag a starting spot. Instead, the team has Hunter backing up 2025 fifth-round pick Cam Jackson.

Jackson hasn’t had an outstanding summer, either, which makes this more surprising. Perhaps Canales just wants to see the rookie earn it, and is leaning on Jackson’s extra year of experience.

Princely Umanmielen Behind Patrick Jones II

Princely Umanmielen is a key player for the Panthers this year. The second-year player will play a big role with Nic Scourton out, and the Panthers need him to step it up.

So far, Umanmielen has answered the call. The edge rusher collected three pressures and two quarterback hits against the Bills, and it looks like he can form a dynamic duo with Jaelan Phillips.

The Panthers are keeping Jones ahead of Umanmielen for now, though. Jones only played in two games in 2025, but he picked up seven sacks in 2024. Are the Panthers anticipating a return to form for Jones, or will Umanmielen eventually steal the spot?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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