We are now just one week away from significant roster cuts around the league. More than 1,100 players will find themselves out of work, and even though some will be brought back onto the Carolina Panthers' practice squad, this will be the end of the road for many.
General manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales will have a good idea of where things stand right now. Player usage in Carolina's preseason finale against the Houston Texans will be telling, but players once again rose or fell during the Panthers' impressive warm-up triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Decision time is almost here. And for those looking to enhance their claims, chances to impress are decreasing rapidly.
With this in mind, here are three Panthers players who may have booked their roster spot against the Jaguars, and three who could now be on shaky ground.
Carolina Panthers players who booked roster spots in preseason Week 2 and three who are on thin ice
Booked: John Metchie III, WR
It was an encouraging evening at the office for John Metchie III. The wide receiver proved his worth as a dependable, slick route runner with assured hands versus the Jaguars. Couple this with his established connection to quarterback Bryce Young from their time together at Alabama, and it only strengthens his claims to the roster.
The wide receiver room is crowded for now. But Metchie has done more than enough to get noticed at the best possible time.
Thin ice: Corey Thornton, CB
Things were going well for Corey Thornton earlier this offseason. Even though his place on the roster is under no real threat, his chances of being a starting option in the nickel are starting to fade.
Thornton looked lackluster in coverage, which is a problem. It's worth remembering he is still a Year 2 pro who missed considerable time as a rookie, so he's still learning on the job. But a big effort is needed over the next week to alleviate fears.
Booked: Jackson Kuwatch, LB
Though linebacker Jackson Kuwatch was a seventh-round selection, making the roster was no guarantee. But after an initial bedding-in period, the athletic second-level presence is starting to find his feet.
Kuwatch is fast and physical, and he anticipates well. He may not be ready to log starting-caliber reps alongside Devin Lloyd, but the Day 3 rookie could be a useful rotational asset and special teams presence in Year 1 of his professional career.
Thin ice: Brycen Tremayne, WR
While Brycen Tremayne offers use on special teams, others have outperformed him when given targets in the preseason. The wide receiver could still go through as a special-teams threat, but it's starting to look like he might be the odd man out.
Tremayne hauled in just one catch from five targets against the Jaguars. At a time when the margins are finer than ever, this could have a detrimental impact on his hopes of making the team for a second-straight year.
Booked: Aaron Hall, DL
There has been a lot to like about the way Aaron Hall has applied himself this offseason. The undrafted rookie defensive lineman once again flashed with high effort and a powerful presence in the trenches at Everbank Stadium. With Tershawn Wharton out injured and LaBryan Ray now retired, the Duke product should find his name on the roster.
Hall has earned his spot. But just how much time he'll see on the field in the regular season is another matter.
Thin ice: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE
The tight end position is a tricky one to figure out. Darren Waller's arrival shifts the dynamic, and a couple of good players are going to miss out. Feleipe Franks' value on special teams could mean Ja'Tavion Sanders is the one to make way.
Sanders brought in his only target for six receiving yards in Jacksonville. He was probably hoping for more involvement, but the Texas product is running out of time to change his narrative.
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