UP

 

LB Jeremy Cash

 

Appearing in the ‘Up’ category for the second straight week, the undrafted rookie went to the locker room late in the third quarter after helping make this tackle on former Panthers’ RB Tyler Gaffney:

 

 

But Cash’s postgame tweet implied he avoided protocol after he was evaluated for a concussion:

 

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for their concern. I’m just fine and looking forward to getting back after it next week! #KeepPounding #BDH

— Jeremy Cash (@jaycash_16) August 27, 2016

 

What’s important to note is when Cash was on the field before leaving. Not only was he in the second group of LBs with A.J. Klein and David Mayo, but Cash was also on the first unit for punts and both return teams.

Check out No. 57 on this Patriots’ punt just before the half:

 

 

Ben Jacobs, who suffered an ankle injury at Fan Fest, made his preseason debut with the third teamers. If the Panthers keep just six linebackers, Jacobs may be Wally Pipped by Cash.

 

RB Cameron Artis-Payne

 

 

In a case of a box score not telling a complete story, Artis-Payne is listed as gaining just 28 yards on nine carries with a 12-yard reception. Not listed: At least three broken tackles and a 9-yard run that was brought back by a holding call.

The second-year pro’s pass protection could still use work, but he was a rare spark for a first team offense that had few.

 

TE Marcus Lucas

 

The forgotten man of the TE group scored the Panthers’ only touchdowns a week after leading the team in receiving yards at Tennessee.

Lucas, who first came to Carolina as a 220-pound receiver two years ago, is now up to 250. But like Artis-Payne, Lucas’ blocking is “a work in progress.”

“I’ve been getting better at it every week, every day,” he said Friday night. “I definitely had a couple good blocks and some good chips. It’s something to move forward with and I am excited about the future.”