08-22-2026, 08:48 PM -
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7527255...eeklyemail
The Carolina Panthers have been in training camp for four weeks. They’ve played two of their four preseason games — one good, one not so much — and had one of their two joint practices this week in Jacksonville.
It feels like a good time to roll out the first 53-man roster projection of the summer. Although, is there ever really a bad time? Roster projection SZN is pretty much like mock draft SZN, only hotter.
As is always the case, injuries will play a big part in what general manager Dan Morgan does on the Aug. 30 cut day. In addition to the starters who have yet to practice for the Panthers, a couple of notable first- and second-year players have been sidelined recently, clouding the roster picture a bit.
But we’ll take our first stab at the 53 as the Panthers prepare for Friday’s exhibition game against the Jaguars. This was a tougher exercise than last summer, owing to the improved depth at many position groups.
Quarterbacks (3)
On: Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King
Notable cut: Kyle Trask
King, the undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech, dazzled in leading the Panthers to a 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game. But King strained his hamstring on his game-winning touchdown run, and getting jostled by teammates in a celebratory mosh pit didn’t help it. King showed enough in Canton and in college — he was the ACC’s Player of the Year in 2025 — to put him on the other teams’ radars. So the Panthers would be taking a risk by exposing him to waivers. Plus, with his ability to make plays with his feet, King could be the short-yardage and goal-line answer the Panthers have lacked since drafting Young.
Running backs (4)
On: Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon
Notable cut: N/A
Hubbard has missed more than a week with what Dave Canales called a “legit” hamstring injury, but the expectation is he’ll be ready for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Brooks hasn’t experienced any setbacks in his return from a second ACL surgery, which kept him out the entire 2025 season. Etienne remains the team’s top returner, so he’s making the team. Dillon has run hard and caught the ball well out of the backfield.
Tight ends (4)
On: Tommy Tremble, Darren Waller, Mitchell Evans, Feleipe Franks
Notable cut: Ja’Tavion Sanders
Waller was a low-risk signing with the potential for a high return. Assuming he’s healthy, he’s on the 53. Waller, who turns 34 in September, tore his quad during training camp in Miami last year. That injury — and two others that followed — came after he’d been out of football for a year. But Canales said Waller showed up this week in “phenomenal shape.” Waller’s skill set is similar to that of Sanders, who could be the odd man out. Canales called Franks one of the top special teams players in the league, and the former QB has improved as a receiver.
Receivers (6)
On: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn, Ja’seem Reed
Injured reserve: Chris Brazzell, Dan Chisena
Notable cuts: David Moore, John Metchie
The 31-year-old Moore has been with Canales at three different stops, and it’s hard to envision him not making the team. Maybe he’s on the practice squad as a plug-and-play receiver in case of injury. Reed has been one of the surprises of camp, with touchdown catches in the first two games. After Reed’s TD last week at Buffalo, Morgan was bullish about his chances of making the roster. Assuming Reed’s calf injury doesn’t linger, he should be good. Tremayne’s special teams experience makes him all but a lock. Horn only played a total of five special teams snaps as a rookie. But he’s the backup returner, which could strengthen his case.
Offensive line (9)
On: Rasheed Walker, Monroe Freeling, Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, Luke Fortner, Sam Hecht, Brady Christensen, Stone Forsythe, Jake Curhan
NFI/PUP lists: Taylor Moton, Ikem Ekwonu
Notable cut: Chandler Zavala
After Zavala struggled in run blocking and pass protection against the Bills, coaches tried him at center this week. But that position’s crowded with Fortner, Hecht, a fifth-round pick from Kansas State, and the versatile Christensen. Unless Zavala has a strong finish in the final two preseason games, the fourth-rounder from 2023 could be in trouble. Canales provided an optimistic update on Ekwonu in his recovery from patellar tendon surgery, but stopped short of saying the fifth-year left tackle would be ready for Week 1. Walker, signed to a one-year deal as insurance for Ekwonu, has looked strong through the first month of camp.
Defensive line (5)
On: Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown, Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson, Aaron Hall
PUP list: Tershawn Wharton
Notable cut: Jared Harrison-Hunte
Jackson, the biggest player on the roster, had been one of the most improved players in camp before being placed in the concussion protocol this week. The Panthers have managed Derrick Brown’s workload while he’s dealt with knee soreness. Hall, the undrafted rookie from Duke, seems to make a play every practice.
Outside linebackers (5)
On: Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones, Princely Umanmielen, Cam Gill, Thomas Incoom
Notable cuts: Trevis Gipson, Jeremiah Moon
IR: Nic Scourton
Phillips and Umanmielen were among the few players who stood out in last week’s loss at Buffalo. The Panthers are counting on Umanmielen, who has excellent length and bend, to replace the pass-rush production they lost when Scourton tore his ACL during the first practice. Gill, the UFL’s reigning Defensive MVP, has provided a spark since signing last month after Scourton was hurt. Incoom, who led the team with 16 special teams tackles last season, gets the last spot over Gipson because of that special teams prowess.
Linebackers (5)
On: Devin Lloyd, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott, Jackson Kuwatch
Notable cut: Maema Njongmeta
International Player Program exemption: Maz Mwansa
Lloyd has been as good as advertised since arriving on a three-year, $45 million deal in March following a Pro Bowl season in his final year in Jacksonville. Who lines up alongside Lloyd remains to be seen. Wallace was the presumed favorite after making 20 starts the past two seasons but is getting pushed by Cherelus. “Those guys are neck and neck. They’re both showing great things,” Canales said. “Trevin has played a little bit more ball with this group, but Claud has had to play over the last couple of years and we’re challenging both.”
Cornerbacks (5)
On: Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Will Lee, Corey Thornton
Notable cuts: Akayleb Evans, DeVonta Smith, Robert Rochell
Lee’s impressive play has given Ejiro Evero the flexibility to align Horn more in the slot. Smith-Wade has been competing with Thornton and Smith, the undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, at nickel. Coaches like what they’ve seen from Smith. So it’s not out of the question that he makes the cut. If not, he’s an obvious practice squad candidate.
Safeties (4)
On: Tre’von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, Zakee Wheatley
Notable cuts: Isaiah Simmons, Demani Richardson
Canales had high praise for the safety group, especially the physical play styles of Moehrig and Ransom, whom Scott compared to the “Bash Brothers” from the second installment of the hockey film franchise, “The Mighty Ducks.” Wheatley, the rookie from Penn State, also has shown a willingness to hit, in addition to making plays on the ball. An injury elsewhere could create a spot for Simmons as a depth safety/special teams regular.
Specialists (3)
On: Sam Martin (punter), Ryan Fitzgerald (kicker), J.J. Jansen (long snapper)
Notable cuts: N/A
Had hopes for Sanders when he was drafted. Also a lot could change with injuries.
Anyone have any thoughts on Person's list?
The Carolina Panthers have been in training camp for four weeks. They’ve played two of their four preseason games — one good, one not so much — and had one of their two joint practices this week in Jacksonville.
It feels like a good time to roll out the first 53-man roster projection of the summer. Although, is there ever really a bad time? Roster projection SZN is pretty much like mock draft SZN, only hotter.
As is always the case, injuries will play a big part in what general manager Dan Morgan does on the Aug. 30 cut day. In addition to the starters who have yet to practice for the Panthers, a couple of notable first- and second-year players have been sidelined recently, clouding the roster picture a bit.
But we’ll take our first stab at the 53 as the Panthers prepare for Friday’s exhibition game against the Jaguars. This was a tougher exercise than last summer, owing to the improved depth at many position groups.
Quarterbacks (3)
On: Bryce Young, Kenny Pickett, Haynes King
Notable cut: Kyle Trask
King, the undrafted free agent from Georgia Tech, dazzled in leading the Panthers to a 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game. But King strained his hamstring on his game-winning touchdown run, and getting jostled by teammates in a celebratory mosh pit didn’t help it. King showed enough in Canton and in college — he was the ACC’s Player of the Year in 2025 — to put him on the other teams’ radars. So the Panthers would be taking a risk by exposing him to waivers. Plus, with his ability to make plays with his feet, King could be the short-yardage and goal-line answer the Panthers have lacked since drafting Young.
Running backs (4)
On: Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon
Notable cut: N/A
Hubbard has missed more than a week with what Dave Canales called a “legit” hamstring injury, but the expectation is he’ll be ready for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Brooks hasn’t experienced any setbacks in his return from a second ACL surgery, which kept him out the entire 2025 season. Etienne remains the team’s top returner, so he’s making the team. Dillon has run hard and caught the ball well out of the backfield.
Tight ends (4)
On: Tommy Tremble, Darren Waller, Mitchell Evans, Feleipe Franks
Notable cut: Ja’Tavion Sanders
Waller was a low-risk signing with the potential for a high return. Assuming he’s healthy, he’s on the 53. Waller, who turns 34 in September, tore his quad during training camp in Miami last year. That injury — and two others that followed — came after he’d been out of football for a year. But Canales said Waller showed up this week in “phenomenal shape.” Waller’s skill set is similar to that of Sanders, who could be the odd man out. Canales called Franks one of the top special teams players in the league, and the former QB has improved as a receiver.
Receivers (6)
On: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn, Ja’seem Reed
Injured reserve: Chris Brazzell, Dan Chisena
Notable cuts: David Moore, John Metchie
The 31-year-old Moore has been with Canales at three different stops, and it’s hard to envision him not making the team. Maybe he’s on the practice squad as a plug-and-play receiver in case of injury. Reed has been one of the surprises of camp, with touchdown catches in the first two games. After Reed’s TD last week at Buffalo, Morgan was bullish about his chances of making the roster. Assuming Reed’s calf injury doesn’t linger, he should be good. Tremayne’s special teams experience makes him all but a lock. Horn only played a total of five special teams snaps as a rookie. But he’s the backup returner, which could strengthen his case.
Offensive line (9)
On: Rasheed Walker, Monroe Freeling, Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, Luke Fortner, Sam Hecht, Brady Christensen, Stone Forsythe, Jake Curhan
NFI/PUP lists: Taylor Moton, Ikem Ekwonu
Notable cut: Chandler Zavala
After Zavala struggled in run blocking and pass protection against the Bills, coaches tried him at center this week. But that position’s crowded with Fortner, Hecht, a fifth-round pick from Kansas State, and the versatile Christensen. Unless Zavala has a strong finish in the final two preseason games, the fourth-rounder from 2023 could be in trouble. Canales provided an optimistic update on Ekwonu in his recovery from patellar tendon surgery, but stopped short of saying the fifth-year left tackle would be ready for Week 1. Walker, signed to a one-year deal as insurance for Ekwonu, has looked strong through the first month of camp.
Defensive line (5)
On: Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown, Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson, Aaron Hall
PUP list: Tershawn Wharton
Notable cut: Jared Harrison-Hunte
Jackson, the biggest player on the roster, had been one of the most improved players in camp before being placed in the concussion protocol this week. The Panthers have managed Derrick Brown’s workload while he’s dealt with knee soreness. Hall, the undrafted rookie from Duke, seems to make a play every practice.
Outside linebackers (5)
On: Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones, Princely Umanmielen, Cam Gill, Thomas Incoom
Notable cuts: Trevis Gipson, Jeremiah Moon
IR: Nic Scourton
Phillips and Umanmielen were among the few players who stood out in last week’s loss at Buffalo. The Panthers are counting on Umanmielen, who has excellent length and bend, to replace the pass-rush production they lost when Scourton tore his ACL during the first practice. Gill, the UFL’s reigning Defensive MVP, has provided a spark since signing last month after Scourton was hurt. Incoom, who led the team with 16 special teams tackles last season, gets the last spot over Gipson because of that special teams prowess.
Linebackers (5)
On: Devin Lloyd, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus, Bam Martin-Scott, Jackson Kuwatch
Notable cut: Maema Njongmeta
International Player Program exemption: Maz Mwansa
Lloyd has been as good as advertised since arriving on a three-year, $45 million deal in March following a Pro Bowl season in his final year in Jacksonville. Who lines up alongside Lloyd remains to be seen. Wallace was the presumed favorite after making 20 starts the past two seasons but is getting pushed by Cherelus. “Those guys are neck and neck. They’re both showing great things,” Canales said. “Trevin has played a little bit more ball with this group, but Claud has had to play over the last couple of years and we’re challenging both.”
Cornerbacks (5)
On: Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, Chau Smith-Wade, Will Lee, Corey Thornton
Notable cuts: Akayleb Evans, DeVonta Smith, Robert Rochell
Lee’s impressive play has given Ejiro Evero the flexibility to align Horn more in the slot. Smith-Wade has been competing with Thornton and Smith, the undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, at nickel. Coaches like what they’ve seen from Smith. So it’s not out of the question that he makes the cut. If not, he’s an obvious practice squad candidate.
Safeties (4)
On: Tre’von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, Zakee Wheatley
Notable cuts: Isaiah Simmons, Demani Richardson
Canales had high praise for the safety group, especially the physical play styles of Moehrig and Ransom, whom Scott compared to the “Bash Brothers” from the second installment of the hockey film franchise, “The Mighty Ducks.” Wheatley, the rookie from Penn State, also has shown a willingness to hit, in addition to making plays on the ball. An injury elsewhere could create a spot for Simmons as a depth safety/special teams regular.
Specialists (3)
On: Sam Martin (punter), Ryan Fitzgerald (kicker), J.J. Jansen (long snapper)
Notable cuts: N/A
Had hopes for Sanders when he was drafted. Also a lot could change with injuries.
Anyone have any thoughts on Person's list?
This post was last modified: 08-22-2026, 08:48 PM by Ladypanther.
