The fourth preseason game remains a necessary evil, so since the Panthers and Steelers are going to line up and play four quarters, here are some things to look for Thursday night:

QUARTERBACKS

Derek Anderson and his wife planned to induce labor if their first child hadn’t started coming by Tuesday night … Anderson should have enough time to be there for the birth, and then make it to Pittsburgh to start.

RUNNING BACKS

While key starters often sit out the fourth preseason game, the Panthers will play many of theirs. DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert could all get touches … Darrin Reaves (knee) won’t play, so Fozzy Whittaker should have at least two full quarters to audition for a roster spot.

RECEIVERS

Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant will likely get a series or two, but the coaches want the younger guys to get plenty of snaps … first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin has a decent chance to make the final roster, but Brenton Bersin, Philly Brown, Tavarres King, and Marcus Lucas all have a shot to either help or hurt their status.

TIGHT ENDS

Greg Olsen, whose son underwent a third open-heart surgery Monday, won’t make the trip … Mike McNeill, who’s still dealing with a knee injury, may have to sit out.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Veteran center Ryan Kalil will likely be held out, with Brian Folkerts replacing him in the starting lineup … tackle Byron Bell, guard Amini Silatolu and tackle Nate Chandler will play … guard Trai Turner (groin) won’t, with Chris Scott replacing him in the starting lineup … late offseason pickup Fernando Velasco (an amazing story considering he’s already back after tearing an Achilles in November) will get plenty of snaps bouncing between guard and center.

DEFENSIVE LINE

End Charles Johnson (hamstring) will watch from Charlotte … End Greg Hardy (shoulder) will suit up, and he’s a game-time decision … starting tackles Star Lotulelei and Colin Cole will play.

LINEBACKERS

Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis should play a series or two … Chase Blackburn, A.J. Klein and D.J. Smith will get the majority of first-half snaps … after making a charge during training camp, Smith can make a closing argument he deserves a roster spot.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

All starters will play, including safety Roman Harper, who will make his preseason debut … Bené Benwikere will likely be the No. 1 nickel corner for the second straight game … Charles Godfrey will bounce between nickel and safety … fourth-round safety Tre Boston should make his preseason debut.

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BBR NUGGETS

• Charles Godfrey is back playing safety, but not full time. — BBR
• Drones are the future of videography, but it’s pretty dumb to fly one over a game. — Charlotte Observer
• Four of seven CBS Sports writers see the Panthers taking a “free fall.” — CBS Sports
• Elliot Harrison is more optimistic. — NFL.com
• Nice piece by Tom Sorensen on Mike Minter, who’s “where I’m supposed to be.” – Charlotte Observer
• Episode 4 of Cam Newton’s “Huddle Up” series. — Under Armour
• Jordan Gay gets another chance. — SYRACUSE Post-Standard

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