5 Panthers position battles still undecided ahead of Steelers game
By Dean Jones
Which position battles are still undecided ahead of the Carolina Panthers’ final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday night?
We are now heading into the business end of the preparation period ahead of the 2021 season. The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for their last preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, which is the final time fans will see the players in action before Week 1 against the New York Jets.
Matt Rhule stated that the starters are set to see far more game time in their preseason finale. The Panthers haven’t utilized their top options much over the first two games, instead choosing to give them more meaningful reps during joint practices against the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens instead.
We’ll get a much better indication as to which way the Panthers are going with their projected starters and the team’s aspirations for 2021. One thing is for sure, there is still time for someone to surge up the depth chart and into the team’s plans with a play or two that really catches the eye.
With this in mind, here are five position battles that remain undecided heading into Carolina’s final preseason game.
Position Battle No. 1
Carolina Panthers LS
It’s really hard to gauge how this one is going to go. Thomas Fletcher appears next in line to take over long-snapping duties for the Panthers, but veteran J.J. Jansen isn’t giving up his position without a fight.
Carolina drafted Fletcher in the sixth round with the short and long-term in mind. The Alabama product hasn’t put a foot wrong during the preseason, even making a tackle on special teams for good measure.
Parting ways with the longest-serving Panthers player would be another changing of the guard. So it’s a big call upcoming call awaiting those in power.