Game Week 1

We still have 5 TE on the roster.  

I realize our left and right tackles are challenged … Are we keeping TE’s as extra blockers on both ends.. double tight ends ? 

I kept thinking we’d eventually trade one of them and still might ,,  but I am having doubts. 
Is this good roster management ?

When I asked Google, got this:

AI Overview        
The Carolina Panthers kept five tight ends on their initial 53-man roster because each player offers a distinct, highly valued skill set General Manager Dan Morgan and Head Coach Dave Canales explained that the unique group gives the offense tactical flexibility. [Sounds like spin]

 Breakdown and Skill Sets

Tommy Tremble: Acts as a reliable inline blocker and capable receiver who can also line up in the backfield as an 
H-back.

Mitchell Evans: Provides a large frame as a wide blocker while doubling as a receiving threat.

Darren Waller: Acquired on a one-year deal during training camp to add a dynamic, unique receiving dimension to the passing game.

Ja'Tavion Sanders: Retained as a young pass-catching weapon despite drawing outside trade interest.

Feleipe Franks: Serves primarily as a core special-teams contributor. 

So this group is ok, not great.  I think Sanders somehow steps up or he is trade bait.  Beside special teams, Franks actually looked good during preseason games...at least the receiving part of things.

This is the Panthers so I expect injury will take care of at least one of the.

So, is the the new truism...If you have 5 TE's you have no TE's?


My bigger concern is Bryce. 

My bigger concern is Bryce. 

Yeah..  For one year, I’d like us to get off to. Fast Start..  
so tired of the first play being a run off tackle,, then a pass batted down, then a receiver slip , fall, for an incompletion

My bigger concern is Bryce. 

Yeah..  For one year, I’d like us to get off to. Fast Start..  
so tired of the first play being a run off tackle,, then a pass batted down, then a receiver slip , fall, for an incompletion

unfortunately that's the only "Identity" this team has...  They never start until midway through the second quarter when we are down 17

We still have 5 TE on the roster.  

I realize our left and right tackles are challenged … Are we keeping TE’s as extra blockers on both ends.. double tight ends ? 

I kept thinking we’d eventually trade one of them and still might ,,  but I am having doubts. 
Is this good roster management ?

You ask good questions.....

The Panthers, historically, have always maintained a couple of players on the 53 who are Special Teams specialists. They are not always favorites at their position, but they OUTperform on ST. So, if we consider that as a "normal" situation, the appearance of 5 TEs is not TOO worrying. I really think its a combination of THAT (situationally), and the fact that the Panthers simply do not want to give up on Sanders. He's young with a good pedigree, and has enough speed and good hands to maintain interest in the front office -- even though he has not actually lived up to expectations. Franks is certainly one of the ST holdovers. So if you eliminate those two from the conversation (momentarily), that leaves us with three -- Tremble, Evans, and the vet, Waller. I think that is a very good lineup actually. Of course, there is still the question about Sanders and his outlook here..... I'm not sure, but I believe that the Panthers want to give a draftee every possible chance to perform before "cutting bait".

If Sanders stays on the roster, I think 2026 will be his swan song. He'll either make it or he'll be on the way out the door.  As far as "roster management" goes, that's a horse of a different color. All we need is a couple of significant injuries at almost ANY position and everyone will start questioning Dan and Dave about the roster, pointing fingers and complaining about the "extra" TE who isn't "needed".  That is, unless the injured player happens to be a TE, then Dan looks like a wizard with a crystal ball.