Panthers Must Cut Roster to 80 Tomorrow

by Jaxon on Aug 29, 2011 1:01 PM EDT

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 25: Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has his work cut out for him in making the Panthers cut down decisions

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 Reed

Among those I see going on IR include David Gettis, Zack Williams, Tony Pike and possibly Gary Barnidge. That would get them to 83.

Remember DT Ron Edwards and CB Cletis Gordon are already on IR. The only questionable one is Barnidge but I see no reason to hold a roster spot for him. I'd prefer to get him healthy for next season and a move up the depth chart.

So that would leave three players to be cut. Here' s my best guess:

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

Others positions that have a glut of players includes LB & WR but given the injuries or question marks regarding the depth chart at those positions I'm seeing them sticking around till the end. Remember, final cut down is this Saturday.

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Comments

I put this on the other thread but,

Joe Person has his 53 man roster up.

With a name like Lesbian I have to be awesome!

by Lesbian Montgomery on Aug 29, 2011 1:17 PM EDT reply actions

My reply to this comment in the other thread:

Unless Rivera just hasn’t been paying attention or watching film…

I just don’t see how MacBern is a lock to make the team.

The only thing MacBern is a lock to do is let an opposing D-Lineman hit the QB repeatedly.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

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by BW Smith on Aug 29, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I 100% agree. He just doesn't seem to have it or get it.

One of the first plays against the Bangles he got absolutely bull rushed by a guy probably 50 pounds lighter than him. I say just drop him and maybe pick up Leonard Davis or someone that we could probably get at the veteran minimum to give us a little protection until we get everyone healthy.

With a name like Lesbian I have to be awesome!

by Lesbian Montgomery on Aug 29, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions