Amazingly enough, the Carolina Panthers’ big roster cutdown did not give us clearer answers on a number of question marks throughout the starting unit. In fact, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s moves may have even clouded the situation for those on the outside looking in.
But head coach Dave Canales seems to have a decent outlook.
Canales spoke with reporters following this afternoon’s practice, and was asked if the newly-acquired Michael (or Mike) Jackson is the favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn at the cornerback position.
“It looks like that right now. But again, adding these guys—kinda hopeful to see what they can bring to us and see how quickly they can assimilate into our system,” Canales said of the team’s latest additions.
“Michael has experience in this scheme the last couple of years in Seattle. So, he’s fully aware of what’s expected of him from a scheme standpoint, and he’s the right style of player. He’s exactly what we look for. He shows up tough and physical at the ball, he’s got speed, he’s got size, all those things. Just an accountable guy.”
The Panthers traded for Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and linebacker Michael Barrett last Thursday. They also placed waiver claims on three cornerbacks earlier this afternoon—Keenan Isaac, Shemar Bartholomew and Tariq Castro-Fields.
Canales was later asked about the other starting position in question on the defense—the No. 2 job off the edge next to Jadeveon Clowney.
“Yeah, up for grabs still,” he stated. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”
Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Chaisson were the only four outside linebackers announced to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Carolina has since looked to add a few more at the spot—including former Seahawk Jamie Sheriff.
And next, the punt returner duties—left vacant by today’s release of wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales later said. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”
With the first game of the regular season set for Sunday, Sept. 8, Canales and the Panthers will have about a week to find their answers.
