Stock Up, Stock Down Following Panthers' Preseason Finale

The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their preseason slate on Friday night. The team welcomed the Houston Texans to town and came away with a 16-13 victory.

Of course, now the real work has to be done. Between now and Sunday night, the Panthers have to cut around 40 players. Most of the final roster spots are already accounted for, but the players who were on the field tonight were still trying to stake their claims.

Some players really helped their case, while some others are probably getting some bad news shortly. Today, let’s talk about who helped their case and who didn’t.

Stock Up: RB Anthony Tyus III

Anthony Tyus III is not a guy who has received much buzz this summer. A.J. Dillon has been the favorite to win the final running back spot, and Miles Davis had some nice moments earlier this summer.

However, it’s better late than never. Tyus made the most of his 10 carries tonight and led the team with 41 yards. The running back also caught three passes for 13 yards, showing his versatility. Tyus isn’t going to make the team, but he proved he’s worth a practice squad spot.

Stock Down: QB Kyle Trask

Kyle Trask was never likely to make this team. The veteran was only brought in due to Haynes King’s injury, but he still had a good chance to showcase himself for other teams.

Well, Trask didn’t end on the best note. The quarterback completed 19 of 28 passes for 147 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Trask looked a bit indecisive, and he missed at least three throws. It wasn’t the best performance to end your preseason on.

Stock Up: WR Ja’seem Reed

Ja’seem Reed was one of the stars of the summer, but his stock took a dip when he missed last weekend’s game with an injury. While Reed was out, fellow depth receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III impressed, which made things look worse for Reed.

However, Horn, Metchie, and Reed all played tonight, which means none of their spots are locked up. That’s good news for Reed because he ended up having the best game of the bunch, with two catches for 37 yards. Reed still has a chance to be on this team.

Stock Down: WR John Metchie III

Speaking of depth receivers, while Reed helped his case, Metchie hurt his. Metchie only caught one of his three targets and gained just five yards. Metchie also didn’t do much on special teams to give himself an extra edge.

Metchie has been on the block all summer, and this game will likely decide whether he makes the team or not. Metchie better hope that’s not the case, because he’ll be looking for a new team if so.

Stock Up: WR David Moore

David Moore was seen as likely to make the team due to being a favorite of Dave Canales. However, with the way Reed and Horn have been playing, it started to seem unlikely that Moore would make the team.

The veteran isn’t going away easily, though. On Friday, Moore caught three passes for 34 yards, finishing only behind Reed in receiving yards. Moore also added a tackle on special teams, only strengthening his case.

Stock Down: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Alarm bells are ringing like crazy for Ja’Tavion Sanders. At the beginning of the offseason, some expected the tight end to take over the starting job. Now, it seems like he may not even make the final roster.

Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and Darren Waller all got the night off, while Sanders didn’t. That’s a very bad sign for the young tight end, and it’s even worse that he did nothing in his final opportunity. Sanders didn’t get a catch against the Texans.

Stock Up: OL Brady Christensen

Brady Christensen has been one of the most reliable offensive linemen on the team this summer. The veteran didn’t get Friday off as the starters did, but he performed well and solidified his spot.

Interestingly, Christensen’s snaps came at tackle instead of guard. That’s good news because the team has clearly seen enough from him as a guard. Christensen will make this team.

Stock Down: EDGE Cam Gill

Cam Gill has had an awesome summer, and before Friday, he seemed likely to land a job. However, veteran Trevis Gipson outperformed Gill in the finale, which leaves Gill’s future up in the air.

Gill didn’t have a bad game, per se. The edge rusher ended with two tackles, but he wasn’t able to get any tackles for loss or sacks. Four Panthers’ defenders got sacks, but Gill wasn’t one of them.

Stock Up: DL Elijah Garcia

The depth defensive linemen on the Panthers have had a big opportunity this summer. Thanks to injuries and a lack of proven depth, players like Elijah Garcia have been given a big chance.

Garcia has really stepped it up over the last few weeks, and Friday was his best performance yet. The veteran picked up three tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hits. That’s the kind of performance that gets you a depth spot.

Stock Down: CB Corey Thornton

Five corners got the night off on Friday, and Thornton was not one of them. This seemingly indicates that Smith-Wade has won the nickel job, while Thornton is fighting for the last roster spot.

Unfortunately for Thornton, he only managed one tackle on the night and wasn’t able to make any plays on the ball. Some other depth corners like DeVonta Smith outperformed him, so it’s hard to imagine Thornton surviving the final cut.