5 Panthers players facing a make-or-break second preseason game
By Dean Jones
Omar Bayless – Carolina Panthers WR
It was a solid if not spectacular start to life on the field for Omar Bayless. His Carolina Panthers debut was a long time coming after a knee injury denied the wide receiver a roster spot in 2020, so it was great to see him finally in the lineup for some preseason reps.
Bayless didn’t look overawed by any stretch of the imagination. But the undrafted free agent was targeted just once, which he brought in for a seven-yard gain.
This was another confidence boost for Bayless, who might have been more productive had the Panthers not been noticeably conservative when Will Grier stepped in to replace P.J. Walker at the half.
Matt Rhule wants to see the signal-caller throw the football more against the Baltimore Ravens. This is also a good chance for Bayless to show what he can do with a higher volume.
The Arkansas State product has been a camp stud over the last two summers. Now that he has some game-day experience under his belt, it’s vital Bayless builds on this moving forward.
There is growing pressure to stand out within a wideout room that’s littered with playmakers. So roster spots appear at a premium unless Carolina takes seven onto their roster, which appears unlikely at this juncture.
One would assume that D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, David Moore, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Shi Smith will all make it. So the onus is on Bayless to leave no doubt he’s worthy of the sixth spot.