5 bold predictions for the Panthers preseason finale vs. Steelers
By Dean Jones
Giovanni Ricci will cement a roster spot
Judging by the switch in positions for Giovanni Ricci this week, the Carolina Panthers are clearly looking for a way to fit him onto their 53-man roster.
Originally listed as a tight end heading into his second summer with the team, the player was shifted to a full-back role as the Panthers look to fill the void left by Alex Armah in free agency.
This is great news for Ricci. Positions in the tight end room are limited thanks to the presence of Dan Arnold, Tommy Tremble, and Ian Thomas. However, his superb performances on special teams have resulted in the Panthers going in a different direction regarding where he fits.
What’s important now is for Ricci to make the most of this chance. He was around the set-up last season on the practice squad and has made the necessary impression to stand a fighting chance of making the team this time around.
Putting Ricci with the first team as a blocking full-back is the best way for the coaching staff to see for themselves what he can do in a game-day setting.
This might be the only chance Ricci has of building on some positive momentum. If he produces the goods, then a surprising roster spot might not be far behind.
What comes next will be down to Ricci. But this is a major chance to beat the odds and find a role for himself on the depth chart ahead of the final round of cuts next week.