Watching the Inactive List, Not Just for Cam Newton

Will quarterback Cam Newton start or not? It’s the biggest question heading into a Panthers season opener since … ?

If Newton does end up on the inactive list, odds are that storyline will overshadow anything else that happens in Tampa Bay. But here are three other notes about guys hoping to wear jerseys on Sunday.

Defensive end Kony Ealy won’t be active. It’s not as much a referendum on the rookie as it is a statement about how deep that position is. Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy are locks, and Mario Addison and Wes Horton will be the two other ends up against the Bucs. On the surface, a second-round pick failing to earn a jersey in Week 1 may seem like a disappointment, but again, it’s not a final verdict. Ealy got off to a slow start this summer, but he showed well during the last two preseason games. It may take a few more weeks before he’s active on game day, but the Panthers still believe he’ll end up helping them before 2014 is over.
Tight end Brandon Williams won’t be active. Like Ealy, Williams is a victim of numbers, and an inactive listing in Week 1 doesn’t equal an entire season. Greg Olsen and Ed Dickson take up two spots on the 46-man roster, and Richie Brockel is more versatile than Williams on special teams.
Besides quarterback, the most intriguing spot to watch on Sunday’s inactive list is receiver. Teams usually keep five wideouts up, but Brenton Bersin will likely be on the outside looking in. It appears the Panthers will go with four receivers and four running backs, meaning Fozzy Whittaker will probably get a jersey over Bersin.

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alfitzpatrick07

@BlackBlueReview surprised on Bersin but I'm excited about Fozzy! Showed great potential in PS

danny_g13

@salmingoCSR @BlackBlueReview You have no idea....poor #Bones

LegacyLines

@BlackBlueReview Bit surprised about Bersin sitting out, but I suppose they assume PBrown will actually be more productive… hmmmm

LamontBracey

@Kroeger @BlackBlueReview I wouldn't want to start the year vs Suh

DavidRicoLocklear

4 wideouts that's not smart. Especially considering that Bersin honestly was more effective than the Avant Cotchery and Brown in the preseason. Albeit against number 2s and 3s the should get the nod

panthergf

@BlackBlueReview disappointed Swoll and maybe Bersin sitting but it's just game 1

JEbbs10

@BlackBlueReview Disappointed won't see Ealy.. thought he had a shot with Alexander suspended.

bobbyagnese

@BlackBlueReview So 4 WRs...Cotchery, Avant, Benjamin, and...Philly?

chevyab84

@BlackBlueReview Dang, wanted to see Ealy and Bersin get some action!

salmingoCSR

@danny_g13 I commiserate with you.

BlackBlueReview

@JEbbs10 one of 16. While he won’t be active next week, either, it’s really not that big of a deal right now.

@bobbyagnese that’s what it looks like as of tonight

billvoth moderator

@chevyab84 patience is a ....

but really, there's one spot of ultimate importance, and as of 1 AM Sunday, no one's confident who's going to start at QB. but ... i'm thinking it's going to be Cam now. just a gut feeling, which supersedes all facts anyway.

strumglory

@BlackBlueReview @bobbyagnese So basically three receivers, because I can't imagine they expect Philly to be productive. Doesn't seem smart to sit Bersin.

Nick81

I've had that feeling all week. You did a good job of making me second guess though!

@Nick81 well, FWIW, wasn't trying to make anyone second guess or anything like that. 100% fact - Wednesday and Thursday, barely anyone inside the team thought he'd play. since then, he's had two good days. this hasn't been a smokescreen or anything of the sort. it's been a guy fighting like crazy to be able to play. will he? maybe, maybe not. all we know at this hour is he's done everything he can and that should be commended, even if he doesn't play.