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Panthers: Tryout players added to roster

By Brandon Scott

SAN JOSE, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Head Coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers looks on while his team stretches during practice prior to Super Bowl 50 at San Jose State University on February 5, 2016 in San Jose, California. The Carolina Panthers face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on February 7. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - FEBRUARY 05: Head Coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers looks on while his team stretches during practice prior to Super Bowl 50 at San Jose State University on February 5, 2016 in San Jose, California. The Carolina Panthers face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on February 7. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers signed four tryout players following their rookie minicamp…

A number of local players joined the Carolina Panthers rookies, undrafted free agents and other invitees over the past weekend for their first taste of NFL practice. While the chances of making the final roster are slim, an opportunity to impress coach Rivera and his assistants is worth the opportunity.

For four such individuals, their efforts were awarded with a guaranteed future with the franchise – at least for the short-term. A heavy focus was given to both the offensive and defensive lines, while another wide receiver joined the roster potentially to compete for a return position.

Following the injury to primary kick returner and backup running back Fozzy Whittaker, Carolina needs a viable option on special teams. Last year’s first-round pick, Christian McCaffrey contributed some but was utilized more as a punt returner one year ago.

Wide receivers Damiere Byrd and Curtis Samuel are the likely front-runners after registering seven and 10 returns, respectively last season. Byrd even added a 103-yard kick return for a touchdown in a game against divisional rival Tampa Bay late last year.

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Bug Howard, who played college football at North Carolina, returns after spending time last season with both the Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns. In a suddenly crowded wide receiver room, Howard will attempt to make a good impression and earn a full-time position.

All other players added via tryouts include linemen both on offense and defense. Always in need of a pass rusher, defensive end Karter Schult was signed. Playing at Northern Iowa, Schult registered 31 sacks over his final two seasons.

The remaining two were officially listed as interior offensive linemen but one could also see an opportunity on the outside. If Taylor Moton is indeed the answer at the guard position vacated by Andrew Norwell, then a backup tackle spot becomes available.

Quinterrius Eatmon will battle with Zach Banner, Blaine Clausell and expected backup Amini Silatolu for a final roster position. At center, the Panthers added Kyle Friend who has a good opportunity with veteran Ryan Kalil announcing his retirement following this season.

Next: Panthers New Owner David Tepper

All of the position battles happening during training camp and throughout the preseason should be interesting, but these few will be worth watching closely as September approaches.

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