5 Carolina Panthers players on the chopping block ahead of second cuts

Darius Clark – Carolina Panthers RB

Darius Clark was on our list of potential cuts during the first round. The running back managed to survive release at that stage, but another underwhelming performance and a lack of involvement against the Baltimore Ravens put him squarely in the firing line once again.

Clark’s story is a nice one. An overlooked prospect getting a chance to make his way in the NFL after impressing during a showcase camp.

But the simple fact of the matter is there are many running backs ahead of Clark on the Carolina Panthers depth chart. The team also has seven registered if one includes Trenton Cannon, which is too many for a roster of 80 heading into the final week of the preseason.

Clark got two carries in the second half on Saturday, gaining just one yard behind an offensive line that couldn’t create the holes necessary for significant progress. Undrafted free agent Spencer Brown generated the same yards and carries, so it might be a choice between the two as to who stays around to see things out.

Brown has arguably been more impressive during training camp. He is also a primary practice squad candidate if Carolina decides to go with more experience behind Christian McCaffrey and fourth-rounder Chuba Hubbard.

This was no doubt a fantastic experience for Clark and one he can learn from moving forward. But all good things must come to an end at some stage.