[vc_row no_margin=”true”][vc_column width=”1/1″]Ah, the preseason … that charming point on the sports calendar when key players are lost for the year and fans pay full price for exhibitions.
It’s also a time for those fans to find fresh favorites, usually in the form of new players who haven’t disappointed them yet.
Over the past week and a half, no one has carved out a place in Panthers’ fans hearts like running back Brandon Wegher. Not only did the undrafted free agent come to Carolina from Morningside College — not exactly a FCS powerhouse — but he also has a redemptive back story.
Through two games, he’s the only Panthers’ running back to find the end zone. He’s done that three times. Oh, and he’s also the only back with a tackle on special teams.
“He most certainly is going to make it tough on us,” coach Ron Rivera said Saturday night after Wegher sparked a Carolina comeback for a second straight week. “We’re going have to figure who our 53 are. He really is deserving of our attention right now.”
Before training camp began, Wegher appeared on the outside looking in at a roster spot. Because the Panthers will likely keep four running backs, sitting fifth on the depth chart would make a guy potential practice squad material. But since the rest of the league can see what happens in other games, Wegher may be making too good of an impression. Another team could snatch him up if the Panthers put him on waivers.
When asked what he thought his chances were now, Wegher said:
“I don’t know. It’s up in the air. Only thing I can do is come in every day and fight for a job.”
But if he gets in, who goes out?
Not Jonathan Stewart. Fifth-round pick Cameron Artis-Payne is also a lock. That leaves Fozzy Whittaker and Jordan Todman.
Whittaker began camp as the No. 2 back, but Todman is the No. 1 kick returner. Judging by how the group has looked in Spartanburg and the preseason, Wegher’s rise has put Whittaker at risk.
While stats can’t tell a complete story, especially in the preseason, let’s look at some. Below you’ll find playing time, touches and production for all the backs. Blocking ratings from Pro Football Focus are also included, but as always, it’s impossible to tell how accurate those are.
“We’ve got a good group of backs. They’re very competitive,” Rivera said. “I’m excited about these guys. They’re going to give us a lot of options and make for some tough conversations.”
Player | Off Snaps | Att/Yds | Rec/Yds | TDs | Blocking | ST Snaps | Tackles |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RB B.Wegher | 44 | 10/39 | 2/47 | 3 | 0.4 | 18 | 1 |
RB F.Whittaker | 30 | 6/7 | 0 | 0 | -0.4 | 12 | 0 |
RB J.Todman | 30 | 8/48 | 2/2 | 0 | -0.7 | 17 | 0 |
RB C.Artis-Payne | 28 | 12/57 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 20 | 0 |
FB L.Ward | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.0 | 12 | 0 |
FB M.Tolbert | 13 | 3/6 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 2 | 0 |
RB J.Stewart | 5 | 2/2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Unless something big happens for Fozzy over the next 2 preseason games as much as I like Fozzy, I think he will be gone. Lee Ward may be a Practice Squad candidate. Does Fozzy have practice squad eligibility? Ultimately I think Wegher and Todman make the 53 along with Stewart & CAP.
How does lee have a negative blocking number? ??
Maybe in pass blocking
As much as the third game is a dress rehearsal I’d like to see Toddman, Fozzy, CAP, and Wegher get an equal number of first team series this week. Comparing Fozzy’s numbers to Wegher’s when one is playing 1st and 2nd team defenders and the other plays 3rd and 4th isn’t yielding a balanced picture.
I certainly don’t disagree. In fairness to Fozzy and Wegher. Wegher should get some meaningful time with the 1’s & 2’s in game situations so that he can be fairly evaluated.
I too would like to see B-Dub get time earlier and see how he does vs at the 2’s and 2’s
Wegher, Todman, and Ward in…..Tolbert and Whitaker out!