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QUARTERBACKS (3)
ON: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb
The wolfpack remains intact. Webb was initially Newton insurance, but he’s more than that now. He’s gained a larger role on special teams and could see more time at receiver.
RUNNING BACKS (5)
ON: Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker, Brandon Wegher, FB Mike Tolbert
OFF: Jordan Todman
Todman was arguably Saturday’s biggest surprise. He averaged 7.9 yards on 17 carries in the preseason, and even if you take away his 49-yard touchdown against the Steelers, that average is 5.3. He also returned kicks and was a gunner on special teams, but it wasn’t enough. Because Whittaker and Todman are similar players, Todman’s the odd guy out while the undrafted Wegher sneaks in. The Panthers knew they had something in him as far back as rookie minicamp, and despite limited reps, he continued to impress in camp and the preseason. Wegher’s play on special teams also helped him latch onto the roster.
WIDE RECEIVERS (5)
ON: Ted Ginn, Jerricho Cotchery, Corey Brown, Devin Funchess, Kevin Norwood
OFF: Brenton Bersin, Mike Brown, Damiere Byrd
Bersin’s job appeared safe through the summer, so he was a slight surprise. The Panthers were fired up about adding Norwood this week, but since he’s sure-handed yet somewhat slow like Bersin, there wasn’t room for both. Byrd should get a spot on the practice squad if he clears waivers. The Panthers will also be keeping a close on wideouts cut across the league.
TIGHT ENDS (4)
ON: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Brandon Williams, Richie Brockel
OFF: Marcus Lucas, Scott Simonson
Williams didn’t return from offseason groin surgery until the Panthers returned from Spartanburg, but he kept his job because of special teams. That unit is also big for Brockel. He hasn’t been on the field since injuring his shoulder two weeks ago, so his appearance on the roster should mean he’s close to coming back. Lucas was on the practice squad as a receiver last year, but that spot may go to Simonson.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
ON: T Michael Oher, T Mike Remmers, T Daryl Williams, T Nate Chandler, G Andrew Norwell, G Chris Scott, G Trai Turner, G Amini Silatolu, C Ryan Kalil
OFF: T David Foucault, T Martin Wallace, G Ricky Henry, G Jordan McCray, C Brian Folkerts
Silatolu and Chandler weren’t locks for a fourth season, and they’re still not even though they’re on this 53. But the Panthers like both as backup options, as long as they’re healthy. Folkerts was given an injury settlement after suffering an ankle issue against the Dolphins. Scott and Remmers can help at center, but the Panthers may be in the market for a more dependable backup there. Foucault should have been on the practice squad last year, which is where he’ll likely be this year.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
ON: DE Charles Johnson, DE Kony Ealy, DE Mario Addison, DE Wes Horton, DT Star Lotulelei, DT Kawann Short, DT Colin Cole, DT Dwan Edwards, DT Kyle Love
OFF: DE Rakim Cox, DE Arthur Miley (IR), DT Chas Alecxih, DT Terry Redden
Nothing out of the ordinary here. Cox and Alexcih could land on practice squad. Miley will undergo knee surgery and he’s done for the year.
LINEBACKER (6)
ON: Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, Ben Jacobs, A.J. Klein, David Mayo
OFF: Brian Blechen, Adarius Glanton, Jason Trusnik
One of the least-publicized but better battles this summer, especially with the added emphasis on special teams this year. In the end, Jacobs gets the nod over Trusnik, a nine-year veteran, and Glanton, who played well as an undrafted rookie last season. The Panthers will try to get him and Blechen on the practice squad.
DEFENSIVE BACK (9)
ON: CB Charles Tillman, CB Josh Norman, CB Bené Benwikere, CB Teddy Williams, S Roman Harper, S Kurt Coleman, S Tre Boston, S Colin Jones, S Dean Marlowe
OFF: CB T.J. Heath, CB Carrington Byndom, CB Lou Young, S Marcus Ball
With Tillman and Norman in the concussion protocol and Jones and Williams nursing groin injuries, this group is a bit of a mess heading into Week 1. Marlowe, who appeared practice squad bound, was likely the benefactor of all the injuries, but the bottom part of the roster could see some turnover the next couple days/weeks.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
ON: K Graham Gano, P Brad Nortman, LS J.J. Jansen
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Don’t and won’t understand Whittaker over Todman. For a couple of similar Swiss Army-type backs, Todman’s return ability is the strongest asset either offers. That seems important, given Ginn’s increased importance this season as a receiver.
Whittaker is a better blocker and more reliable receiver out of the back field. He can also return and knows the offense so it’s a easy decision. It’s the fact that they kept Wegher thats surprising. Still not a good blocker and not much of a special teams guy and he was the farthest down the depth chart. It’s just confusing that they would keep a guy who’s going to be fourth string who can’t contribute on ST over a guy who would’ve been able to be an impact player as a return man.
Stewart is one of the best pass pro backs on the league. No sense in babying him. With Todman headed to Pittsburgh, I hope we don’t regret dumping his return skills.
Fozzy “is a better blocker and more reliable receiver”, really? Fozzy only had 5 catches last season, while Todman had 25 catches, while they were roughly on the field the same amount of time.
Don’t and won’t understand Whittaker over Todman. For a couple of similar Swiss Army-type backs, Todman’s return ability is the strongest asset either offers. That seems important, given Ginn’s increased importance this season as a receiver.
Whittaker is a better blocker and more reliable receiver out of the back field. He can also return and knows the offense so it’s a easy decision. It’s the fact that they kept Wegher thats surprising. Still not a good blocker and not much of a special teams guy and he was the farthest down the depth chart. It’s just confusing that they would keep a guy who’s going to be fourth string who can’t contribute on ST over a guy who would’ve been able to be an impact player as a return man.
Stewart is one of the best pass pro backs on the league. No sense in babying him. With Todman headed to Pittsburgh, I hope we don’t regret dumping his return skills.
Fozzy “is a better blocker and more reliable receiver”, really? Fozzy only had 5 catches last season, while Todman had 25 catches, while they were roughly on the field the same amount of time.