4 Panthers fighting for their futures in preseason Week 3 vs. Bills
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players are fighting for their futures during the team’s final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills?
With the second batch of cuts now in the books, there is just one more round to go before the Carolina Panthers finalize their 53-man roster. There is a chance another body or two comes into the fold if the right opportunities come along, but anyone looking to stake a claim is rapidly running out of time after an eventful preparation period.
The Panthers are gearing up for their third and final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Much will depend on how much the likes of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs participate, but this will be a solid measuring stick for Carolina versus a team that is expected to make a deep postseason run in 2022.
Matt Rhule and his staff will already have a pretty good idea of how things will shape up. However, there is still time for some to make their presence felt with a strong showing on Friday evening at Bank of America Stadium.
With this in mind, here are four Panthers players fighting for their futures during the team’s preseason finale.
Player No. 1
Deonte Brown – Carolina Panthers OL
Once considered an intriguing long-term starter on the offensive line, things aren’t nearly as clear surrounding Deonte Brown right now. The former Alabama standout just hasn’t progressed as many had hoped, with his production in preseason Week 2 coming in for significant criticism that didn’t help his chances of making the team.
The Carolina Panthers bolstered their protection this offseason and have their starters locked up. If Brown wants to carve out a role for himself, then it’ll be as a backup rather than pushing for a top role.
This would be an improvement on Brown’s rookie campaign. But the 2021 sixth-round pick must bounce back during his time on the field this Friday.