Here we are, the third preseason game. The "dress rehearsal" as it's been called. For some teams, this is a very realistic look at how the team is going to function during the regular season. For others, such as the Panthers and Patriots, it is a chance to really try out some of their younger guys in game action that more closely resembles a real game. These two teams however are not going to do much to show their hands in the regular season. Cam Newton won't be running, Tom Brady won't play, and so on. There is still some stuff worth keeping an eye on, and that's mainly certain players who need to stand out to make the roster or cement themselves as primary backups.
Dean Marlowe
Finally listed as probable, Marlowe should see his first preseason action this week. I am fairly certain he will get time with the 1s as well, since the Panthers really aren't going to benefit from keeping Kurt Coleman out there for a full three quarters. The team brought in veteran safeties Stevie Brown and Donte Whitner for workouts today, and I think whether or not the team makes a move will have a lot to do with how Marlowe plays, and if he can stay healthy doing it.
Larry Webster
You know, I almost named Jeremy Cash here, but he's really been a player to watch ever since they signed him. So I'll go with another guy, and that's defensive end Larry Webster. Webster practiced for the first time since Fan Fest this week, and he is currently not listed on the injury report. He too could see his first action of the preseason tonight, and with an underwhelming Ryan Delaire headlining a group that has struggled to do much of anything in place of the place of the starters, the former 4th round pick should get some chances to show what he's got.
Brenton Bersin and Damiere Byrd
The list on offense is relatively small at this point. The offensive line is all but set for week one, Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher should get more time this week, and the top four wideouts are all set right now. That leaves the final one or two spots to be decided, and more importantly whether or not the Panthers need more than 5 wide receivers. With YA BOI Bersin returning to practice this week, he should be all set to play. Last time Bersin took the field was in week one, where he was running with the first team offense early on in multi-receiver packages. Last week, Byrd got a heavy workload ahead of many other back up wideouts and likely will see the same this week.
So who ya got making the 5th spot? YA BOI or this pleb? ;)