Carolina Panthers preseason position battles heating up

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 16: Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers looks down the line against the Buffalo Bills in the first half during the preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 16: Reggie Bonnafon #39 of the Carolina Panthers runs against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of their preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Another area on offense in need of a legitimate backup option is running back. Current starter, Christian McCaffrey played nearly every down for the Panthers last season and although Rivera has discussed lightening his work load, the issue becomes – with whom?

Cameron Artis-Payne continues to prove his worth and is likely to make the roster but two rookies – Elijah Holyfield and Jordan Scarlett – have also been impressive. Second-year back Reggie Bonnafon continues to make an impact as well, both carrying and catching the football out of the backfield.

With Rivera expected to keep four running backs – McCaffrey, Artis-Payne and fullback Alex Armah leave just one opening for Holyfield, Scarlett or Bonnafon. Pretty even to this point, Holyfield has recovered nicely after an early fumble and might just earn the position.

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