With just one preseason game left, the Carolina Panthers are currently working through a crucial week in evaluating their 90-man roster. And by the time that week is done, the roster will 37 men lighter.
By 4:00 p.m. ET on Aug. 27, all NFL teams must cut down to 53 players. Unfortunately, perhaps especially to those who have really impressed this offseason, that means a lot of guys will be looking for new opportunities.
But which Panthers, particularly the ones on the bubble, have made their cases to stick on by the end of next Tuesday?
Here are four players who have most improved their chances of making Carolina’s initial 53-man roster:
RB Mike Boone
Boone has come out of nowhere to make his case.
The early feeling around Carolina’s backfield was that it would include Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders and Raheem Blackshear as the top three rushers out of the gate. Second-round pick Jonathon Brooks, who remains on the active/non-football injury list, would then factor in upon his return.
But now, Boone may have a lane into the backend of the group. The 29-year-old has amassed 56 yards on 14 carries as well as three receptions for 13 more yards—showing patience and good vision in the backfield along with the shiftiness to create chunk plays.
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
Marshall Jr.’s NFL career has been nothing if not consistent—but not in a great way. He’ll create some buzz during training camp and preseason, and then underwhelm once the real games begin.
Year No. 4 has been no different, at least through the first phase. Marshall Jr. seems to be making strides in practices, showing he can win at the line of scrimmage and be more consistent as a route runner.
The talent is there. He’s a big receiver at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, with the length and ball skills to make things happen any time the ball is thrown his way.
So while Marshall’s future is still up in the air, his improvement will be tough to overlook for head coach Dave Canales and company.
iDL T.J. Smith
The Panthers are looking for someone to step up alongside Pro Bowler Derrick Brown in 2024. And although they signed A’Shawn Robinson and have a handful of solid linemen returning this season, one unlikely man has emerged as a potential option.
That’s Smith, who has played some productive football in the team’s first two preseason outings. In fact, he leads the defense with a pair of sacks going into the finale on Saturday.
The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder fashions himself as a true five-technique who can create disruption and generate pressure. His explosiveness and ability to gain leverage has allowed him to get into the backfield quickly and create chaos.
There is a reason to believe that the former Razorback could be one of five defensive linemen on the final roster after next week’s cuts. If not, he has a clear path to being a quality player on the practice squad.
CB D’Shawn Jamison
After opening some eyes as a rookie last season, Jamison has stood out this summer.
While the former Texas Longhorn is listed at just 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, he plays much bigger than his billing. He’s physical, competitive and aggressive at the catch point—traits that may qualify him to be one of general manager Dan Morgan’s “dawgs.”
Jamison also has value as a special teams player, both in coverage and as a returner. He fielded a pair of kickoffs in the preseason opener, taking both attempts for 26-yard runs.
With projected starter Dane Jackson out for an extended period due to a hamstring injury, Jamison is making his case to play on Sundays once again.
