In case you missed me live on Wednesday night, here is the video replay of everything we discussed on the show. Everything from actual football to quips about David Tepper’s chest hair. Have a watch:
If you dont have time to watch the whole video, here is a brief and less entertaining outline of what we discussed.
Injury Report
- Daryl Williams – Torn MCL, dislocated kneecap. Our for preseason, probably PUP, expect to return after week 6 if all goes well.
- Ross Cockrell – Broken Tibia and Fibula, out for season.
- Rashaun Gaulden – sat out Wednesday practice with bruised quad (you get days off for that?)
- Bryan Cox and Curtis Samuel passed physicals, practiced Wednesday
Offensive Position Report
Quarterback
Nothing of note. Cam Newton is still the starter, Taylor Heinecke and Garret Gilbert will battle to back him up, neither one has separated themselves yet, expect Gilbert to be primary backup preseason week 1.
Running Back
- Rivera: Christian McCaffrey to get around 25 touches per game
- No news is good news on C.J. Anderson, Kenjon Barner
- Cameron Artis-Payne working at third back and on special teams, could make team that way
Wide Receiver
- All eyes on D.J. Moore and Donte Jackson battle, Moore looks very good. I expect Moore to be very involved in the offense, but not be the starter.
- Torrey Smith looks good, Damiere Byrd looks great, if healthy, could be in for a big year
- Roster battle at the bottom will be fun to watch (Byrd, Jarius Wright, Curtis Samuel)
Tight End
- Alex Armah has been seeing reps at this spot
- Ian Thomas a mixed bag, but impressive athletically
- Greg Olsen is still the man
Offensive Line
- Taylor Moton looking good at right tackle along side the always solid Trai Turner
- Not much news at center other than Ryan Kalil getting spared amount of reps
- Left guard battle rages on, right now everyone is getting a shot. Silatolu is still the starter for now, name to watch is Brendan Mahon, undrafted rookie out of Penn State. Coaches like him, are trying him all over the place. Still anyone’s battle.
- Matt Kalil having good and bad reps… not seeing this “highly improved, finally healthy” version
Defensive Position Report
Defensive Tackle
Mostly set, no one is taking away Kawann Short or Dontari Poe’s spot, Vernon Butler news has been quiet since the alleged incident in Dallas. Have not heard much about rookie Kendrick Norton to this point.
Defensive End
- Peppers still off, Mario Addison is impressive so far.
- Daeshon Hall is 100% healthy and having his good and bad reps, same could be said for rookie Marquis Haynes.
- Wes Horton still steadily improving.
Linebackers
- Luke Kuechly is still awesome.
- Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson rotating starter reps. Davis will miss first four weeks for a PED suspension. Is Shaq a good ready replacement? I think he is. Will he be better than Davis? Let’s hope so, but probably not. Youre talking about the Panthers GOAT here.
- Depth is solid and will mostly make up special teams, Andre Smith seeing most reps there.
Cornerbacks
- Probably the most heated competition on the team alongside left guard. Cockrell injury complicates things, but all eyes are currently on rookie Donte Jackson, especially his duels with fellow rookie D.J. Moore, PhD.
- Kevon Seymour still has the experience, expect him to be penciled as the starter for now
- Lorenzo Doss has been getting a lot of notoriety, he’s probably the early favorite for camp unsung hero amongst fans
- Captain Munnerlyn still starter at nickel, but watch out for Corn Elder
Safeties
Glut of different combinations constantly happening, Da’Norris Searcy is probably the early favorite. Rashaan Gaulden very much in the mix there, will need to learn a lot on the job.