Coach Ron Rivera lamented all week about the first team offense’s drive in Baltimore that finished with just a field goal. He hopes to get “three good drives” from Newton and company in Nashville, and you’d have to assume “good” equals at least one touchdown.
Last year’s preseason star scratched out just 13 yards on 10 carries against the Ravens. As Rivera said, Wegher “did not have a lot of room to run,” so it’ll be interesting to see if he gets a chance with a better offensive line.
Brenton Bersin shined in the slot last Thursday, but his sore ribs may keep him out against the Titans. Philly Brown could get some of Bersin’s snaps, but this could set the stage for another big day for the emerging Damiere Byrd.
Greg Olsen probably won’t even make the trip as he continues to rest his sore back and it looks like Ed Dickson will miss his second straight game with a groin injury. Scott Simonson pretty much has a roster spot locked up, but here’s a brief chance at a No. 1 role. Beau Sandland wasn’t targeted in 33 snaps last week, and Braxton Deaver was in for just two plays, so they could each be more involved.
Hawkins has played nearly all the second team snaps since David Foucault struggled at left tackle in Baltimore. Like Mike Remmers before he found a home in Carolina, Hawkins has bounced all over the place. The Panthers are his sixth team since 2014, but Saturday will be an opportunity to show he’s worth keeping around.
Mario Addison, Wes Horton, Ryan Delaire, Arthur Miley and Tom Lally combined for four tackles and no hits on the quarterback in the preseason opener. Three of those tackles were credited to Miley. Delaire, who led the group with 35 snaps, appeared to be pushed around easily, but the Panthers haven’t lost faith in the 24-year-old.
Jacobs hasn’t suited up since he rolled an ankle at Fan Fest. If he can’t get back on the field soon, his roster spot could be available. Jeremy Cash is a popular choice, but keep an eye out for fellow undrafted free agent Jared Norris.
The fourth-round pick didn’t check in on defense until late in the third quarter last week, and that was at outside corner. Sanchez is a ballhawk learning the slot, so we’ll see if the Titans present matchups that allow him to slide inside.
The Panthers aren’t rushing the 14-year veteran back, but with less than three weeks until kickoff in Denver, he’ll eventually need to punt in the preseason. If he again sits with soreness in his surgically repaired non-kicking leg, Kasey Redfern will get all the kicks just four days after he was signed.