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4 Panthers who need a good showing in Friday's preseason game vs. Jaguars
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- 4 Panthers who need a good showing in Friday's preseason game vs. Jaguars
With two weeks of preseason play to go, front offices and coaching staffs across the NFL may be looking ahead to dusting off the ol' chopping block. Initial rosters are due a little earlier this year, as teams must cut down from 90 players to 53 by 6:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30.
But there's still some time left for players, specifically ones on the proverbial roster bubble, to keep themselves from getting cut.
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Here are four Carolina Panthers players who could really use a good showing in Friday's preseason tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars . . .
WR John Metchie III
Wideout Ja'seem Reed, who has scored a pair of touchdowns in preseason play, may be held out of this one due to a calf injury . If that is indeed the case, then Metchie might have a golden opportunity ahead of him.
Metchie is battling the likes of Reed and 2025 sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. for a spot in the backend of the receiver room. He could build on some solid numbers this summer, where he's accounted for a 117.3 passer rating when targeted.
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TE Ja'Tavion Sanders
The signing of former Pro Bowler Darren Waller feels like more of an indictment on Sanders than it does on anyone else in the tight end room. With starter Tommy Tremble being used primarily for his blocking prowess and Mitchell Evans entering just his second season, Sanders might've been counted on to be the most potent pass catcher of the bunch—but the 2025 fourth-round pick has yet to pan out.
His roster spot may not be in jeopardy just yet. But with Waller in the mix, he could find himself buried at the No. 4 spot in the pecking order if he doesn't make a little noise to end the summer.
G Chandler Zavala
Zavala, meanwhile, might be hanging on by a thread.
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The 27-year-old hog molly caught most of the blame, at least from fans, for last week's offensive woes. Zavala got the start at left guard in place of Damien Lewis, and earned a rough 37.1 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus over his 10 snaps.
Carolina seemingly experimented with Zavala after the disappointing showing, lining him up at center during practice this week. Seeing as though he hasn't recorded a single snap at center between his five years in college and the pros, that may not bode well for his outlook.
S Demani Richardson
Richardson was once thought of as an undrafted gem back in 2024. But the Panthers have raised the floor at safety since then, and he's lost ground as a result.
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2026 fifth-round pick Zakee Wheatley has shined in the preseason, leading the team in tackles in both of their outings thus far. Former eighth overall pick Isaiah Simmons has also made a case for himself, proving his worth on special teams.
Carolina kept four safeties, including Richardson, on their initial roster in 2025. He may not be as lucky this time around, though—so he might have to make a statement over these last two contests.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 Panthers who need a good showing in Friday's preseason game vs. Jaguars
