Since the first day of training camp over a month ago, we’ve been keeping our eyes on some of the battles for the final roster spots; with the fourth preseason game against the Steelers upcoming this week, let’s take one last look at them. While some may think Derek Anderson vs. Joe Webb for QB2 is an important battle; don’t fool yourself, they’re both making the roster. The same can’t be said for both Dezmen Southward and LJ McCray. Or Kaelin Clay and Brenton Bersin. The game on Thursday night will be the final skirmish in what have been month-long battles between players for roster spots; unfortunately, players like Austin Duke and Jeff Richards may now be battling to make the practice squad rather than the gameday roster. The Carolina Panthers will be trimming their roster from 90 to 53 come Saturday, and showing the coaches what you can do as we head down the stretch is of utmost importance. Future hall-of-fame running back Terrell Davis famously made the Broncos’ 53-man roster because of a big special teams hit in the final preseason game, so you never know who is lurking at the bottom of the roster and what small play might change the coaches minds.
Check out our previous chapters in the ongoing Carolina Panthers training camp battles to see just how far the battles have come; center Tyler Larsen started out training camp fighting for his job and has turned out to be one of the most consistent players on the offensive line. His battle was won a while ago, the players below still have farther to fight.
These battles will be decided on Saturday.
Then: Backup Safety: Colin Jones vs. Dean Marlowe vs. L.J. McCray
Now: Backup Safety: LJ McCray vs. Dezmen Southward vs Damian Parms
S Damian Parms
The final safety spot remains wide open, with both Southward and Parms getting a lot of reps with the second team in Jacksonville, in fact, they both finished with 41 snaps. LJ McCray may have gotten injured at exactly the wrong time, not traveling to Jacksonville and missing practice this week may have sealed his fate and made this a two man race. The other horse in this race may be a free agent who is signed after over 1,000 players flood the market on Saturday, but one of these three will likely make the team before ultimately giving way to a free agent acquisition.
Then: Fifth Wide Receiver: Charles Johnson vs. Austin Duke vs. Brenton Bersin vs. Damiere Byrd
Now: Sixth Wide Receiver: Brenton Bersin vs. Kaelin Clay
WR Reverse to Kaelin Clay
Damiere Byrd seems to have cemented himself into the WR5 spot with his big game against Houston and his special teams skills. He has been spending some time with the first team offense during the past two games, so it is not a far leap that he will be on the roster Week 1 in San Francisco. The question of how many receivers the Panthers will actually keep is an interesting one, as before keeping six last season, they hadn’t kept that many since 2012. Some view Christian McCaffrey as the “sixth” wide receiver, so this may be a moot point and the two wideouts may be vying for a practice squad spot.
Then: Offensive Line Depth: Gino Gradkowski vs. Tyler Larsen; Chris Scott vs. Amini Silatolu; Dan France vs. Tyrus Thompson vs. Blaine Causell
Now: Offensive Line Depth: Gino Gradkowski vs. Chris Scott vs. David Yankey vs. Dan France
With Chris Scott in the concussion protocol and neither Dan France nor David Yankey playing particularly well this preseason, this seems like Gino Gradkowski’s spot to lose, but the former Raven may actually get replaced by a free agent signing once the dust settles on Sunday. Tyler Larsen has not only proven his worth as a backup center and moved up the depth chart, he will make Panthers’ fans breathe easier if center Ryan Kalil suffers an injury or a setback in his recovery from offseason surgery.
Then: Starting Fullback: Darrel Young vs. Alex Armah
Now: Starting Fullback: Darrel Young vs. Nobody
With Darrel Young and Alex Armah, the Panthers have two talented fullbacks on the roster. However, in Jacksonville, they chose to line up backup tight end Ed Dickson in the fullback slot during the entire first half. In fact, of all the offensive players to receive snaps in Jacksonville, Armah and Young were tied for the fewest. Head coach Ron Rivera was cagey after practice about what might be happening with the fullback position, but the Panthers may be moving forward without a traditional one on the roster. Rookie Alex Armah is a player who is perfect for the practice squad, displaying raw talent and a willingness to learn; Armah will benefit from some time and repetitions this season before trying again to make the active roster next year.
“We’re gonna go through this and see how things are. Fullback has always been part of this offense and what we do, so we have to go through it. We’ve got two really good candidates, we really do; I like them both, they’ve done great jobs for us. We’ll see, when it comes to Friday and Saturday [cut days].”
-Ron Rivera
Then: Third Running Back: Fozzy Whittaker vs. Cameron Artis-Payne
Now: Third Running Back: Fozzy Whittaker vs. Cameron Artis-Payne
CAP had 70 yards on only five carries against the Titans.
While there is a chance the Panthers will keep both players on the roster, the fact that Cameron Artis-Payne has received an uptick in special teams snaps may mean that the coaches want to see what they have in that regard if they were to move on from Fozzy Whittaker. The real difference will come down to whether or not the Panthers keep a fullback on the roster. If not, you may see both Artis-Payne and Whittaker on the 53.
New Battles!
Andy Lee vs. Michael Palardy
Punters
With both players striking the ball equally well in the preseason, it may come down to the fact that Andy Lee will cost the Panthers over two million dollars in dead cap money if he gets cut. However, Palardy has punted extremely well while Lee recovers from an injured hamstring; don’t be surprised to see whichever punter doesn’t make the team signed elsewhere. Ron Rivera has emphasized multiple times that this is a close competition, so either player may make it.
Cornerback: Zack Sanchez vs Cole Luke
Zack Sanchez
The battle for the fifth cornerback spot has heated up with rookie Corn Elder unable to practice thus far, if the Panthers decide to place Elder on IR/Designated to Return, they’ll actually have to cut both of these corners before attempting to sign them again after they pass waivers. Sanchez played better in Jacksonville, logging some time with the first team defense, so he appears to have the lead currently; a good game from Luke against the Steelers could throw this competition back into the fire though.
B-B-B-B-BONUS-S-S-S-S BATTLE!
Then: Kicker: Graham Gano vs. Harrison Butker
Now: Kicker: Graham Gano vs. Harrison Butker
Harrison Butker
I’ll let Coach do the analysis:
“As far as we’re concerned, these guys are even.”
-Ron Rivera
No pressure.
