The first roster cut down of the preseason is due tomorrow August 30th, 2011. Unlike previous years the first cut down will be to 80 players, not the usual 75:
Aug 29, 2011 - The final 53-man rosters for NFL teams must be set by Sept. 3 this year, following an Aug. 30 deadline to pare rosters down to 80 players. The 80-man limit is slightly larger than the 75-man limitation of previous seasons, giving more players an extended shot at making final rosters.
This also allows more players to be available to play in the often useless 4th preseason game...i.e. less risk to starters and 2nd stringers.
I think Steve Reed makes a good call via Twitter in saying the Panthers will get there partially through placing some injured players on IR:
carolinagrowl Steve ReedAmong those I see going on IR include David Gettis, Zack Williams, Tony Pike and possibly Gary Barnidge. That would get them to 83.
- C John Gianninoto - With Ryan Pugh, CJ Davis and MacKenzie Bernadeau still available to back-up Ryan Kalil I see no reason to keep another center past tomorrow. Pugh sticks simply because of his connection to Newton (for now only)
- DE Malcolb Tatum - I haven't seen anything from this kid though it could be DE Thomas Kaiser instead. The Panthers are pretty set at DE so I doubt any of the rookie DEs make the squad.
- G Bryant Browning - With the Panthers a mess at RG with the injury to Geoff Schwartz I think the Panthers will focus on Duke Robinson and Byron Bell to see if either can fill the slot. Browning has nice size and could end up on the PS