If you take a quick look at Brandon Wegher's preseason stats, it appears the feel-good story of the former Morningside College running back is about to come to an end in Carolina.

Clearly fifth in line at his position with the Panthers, Wegher's gained just 41 yards on 21 carries while adding six yards on two receptions. Sure, he hasn't gotten a ton of help from his offensive line, but it's not like those guys are much worse than last summer when Wegher's 31 touches totaled 157 yards and three touchdowns.

Yet a closer look at Wegher's role this preseason reveals what the Panthers see is his true worth right now, something that could buy him a second year on the 53-man roster.

Against both the Titans and Patriots, no Panther saw more special teams snaps than Wegher. His 43 special teams plays this preseason are easily a team-high, with linebackers David Mayo and Jared Norris tied for second-most with 35.

So while Wegher's had no snaps with the starters and just three drives with the No. 2's this preseason, he won't complain about a lack of opportunities.

"I'm just here to play football and I feel like I've done a pretty good job of doing that," said Wegher, whose special teams stats include a pair of tackles and a 17-yard kickoff return.

With all that said, Wegher's not yet a sure bet to make the roster. A chance to cement his status could come in the preseason finale against Pittsburgh.

"You want to see if what he did last year is the same he can do," coach Ron Rivera said. "When he's had opportunities, he's made things happen.

"Here's a young man that really showed up last year and just hasn't had the opportunities this year."

There's almost no chance the Panthers will play Jonathan Stewart on Thursday, and it's unlikely Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker or Cameron Artis-Payne will play past the first half. That means it'll be Wegher's stage to show he still belongs.

"I like where I'm at," he said, "and I've got one more game to prove what I've got this year. Hopefully things all shake out well."