Panthers 53-Man Roster Projection Following Preseason Week 2

The Carolina Panthers took down the Jacksonville Jaguars over the weekend in the team’s third preseason game. It was nice to see the team pick up a big win after a disappointing showing against the Buffalo Bills.

Each week, we take a look at the roster and see what’s changed. With the regular season right around the corner, we know a good amount about this roster. Most of the spots are accounted for, but there are still some spots up for grabs at the bottom.

Today, let’s take another stab at projecting the roster and see what’s changed over the week.

Quarterback (3): Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King

Haynes King had to miss another game due to injury, which is disappointing. However, we’re holding out hope that King can come back before Week 1.

Young and Pickett have been solid during the preseason. Dave Canales will be tempted to keep just these two, but losing King on waivers would be disappointing.

Running Back (4): Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, A.J. Dillon

At this point, it seems like A.J. Dillon has cemented his place on the roster. Dillon has done everything well this offseason, and if the Panthers keep four running backs, he’ll make the team.

Wide Receiver (6): Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Jimmy Horn Jr., Ja’seem Reed, Brycen Tremayne

For the first time, I have David Moore missing the cut. Moore just hasn’t done much this summer, and while he’s a favorite of the coaching staff, I just don’t think that’s enough of a reason to keep him around.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Horn Jr. has been doing it all this summer. It would still be hard to cut John Metchie III, but I just don’t see seven receivers sticking.

Tight End (3): Darren Waller, Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans

Darren Waller has yet to play in the preseason, but there’s no denying he’s going to be a key piece of the offense. Tremble and Evans will make the team, which means Ja’Tavion Sanders is the odd man out.

I don’t think the Panthers want to cut Sanders, but he hasn’t done anything to impress, and I don’t see four tight ends being kept around.

Offensive Line (9): Rasheed Walker, Damien Lewis, Luke Fortner, Robert Hunt, Monroe Freeling, Sam Hecht, Brady Christensen, Stone Forsythe, Albert Reese

PUP/IR: Taylor Moton, Ikem Ekwonu

For now, the offensive line projection stays the same. Christensen and Hecht performed well against the Jaguars, while Reese impressed as well.

Remember, Moton and Ekwonu will be back at some point, so this depth just has to hold up for a little while.

Defensive Line (6): Derrick Brown, Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson, Bobby Brown III, Isaiah Garcia, Aaron Hall

PUP/IR: Tershawn Wharton

No changes on the defensive line right now either. The Panthers definitely wish they were seeing more out of rookie Lee Hunter, but the depth isn’t great, so he’ll have plenty of opportunities.

Garcia has been one of the surprise standouts of the summer.

Outside Linebackers (5): Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones II, Princely Umanmielen, Thomas Incoom, Cam Gill

The Panthers have seen some nice things out of this unit this summer. Phillips has looked awesome, while Jones had a nice game against the Jaguars, and Umanmielen has really come on of late.

Incoom makes it due to special teams, while Gill beats out Gipson for the last spot.

Inside Linebackers (5): Devin Lloyd, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott, Jackson Kuwatch

This group has some questions. Devin Lloyd is legit, but the other starting spot is still up for grabs. Neither Trevin Wallace nor Claudin Cherelus has impressed that much this summer.

I think Wallace and Cherelus are both locks regardless, while Martin-Scott and Kuwatch claim the special teams slots.

Cornerbacks (6): Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Corey Thornton, Chau Smith-Wade, Will Lee III, Akayleb Evans

The starters here are set after Chau Smith-Wade seemingly claimed the nickel spot against the Jaguars. Thornton might have missed out on the starting spot, but he should make it as a depth option.

Evans hasn’t been super active this summer, but he’s a solid special-teamer.

Safeties (4): Tre’von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Zakee Wheatley, Lathan Ransom

There’s no debate to be had here. Moehrig and Scott will start, but it won’t be surprising to see Wheatley take over for Scott before the season ends.

Specialists (3): Sam Martin (P), Ryan Fitzgerald (K), J.J. Jansen (LS)

No controversey here.