Preseason football comes to a close when the Carolina Panthers host the Houston Texans for their warm-up finale. And there remains a lot to figure out.
Regular-season football is only a few weeks away. However, this week is the last shot for many players to make the Panthers' 53-man roster, forcing tough decisions for general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales.
Carolina's roster will look drastically different and ever-changing this time next week. Friday night is the proving ground for many, as it is time to look at the four things to watch for against Houston.
Carolina Panthers questions demanding answers in preseason finale against the Texans
The battle for the final wide receiver spot
Second-year wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. has done everything to secure a roster spot. This leaves veteran wideout John Metchie III, Bryce Young's former Alabama teammate, and Ja'seem Reed facing unknowns.
It seems both players will be tough decisions for the Panthers' decision-makers, making Friday night the ultimate game to create separation.
In the latest roster projection, I had Metchie making the Panthers' 53-man roster over Reed. It could go either way, as the latter has shown some work with the first-team offense in practice. Watch for how both players perform on special teams and usage on offense against the Texans.
No. 2 inside linebacker could be determined
Close friends Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus have been competing for the starting linebacker spot next to Devin Lloyd. So far, neither has done enough to stand out from the other. The fact that LB2 is one of the biggest concerns on the roster shows how much the team has grown.
Friday night is a chance for both players to deliver standout performances. Can Wallace's athleticism and physicality finally translate, or will Cherelus put it together for a strong showing?
If neither can impress enough, it might be time to sign or trade for another off-ball defender.
Offensive line must rebound
The Panthers' offensive line got tossed around in a lopsided joint practice against the Texans. While the starters won't see the field, the second-strings will, and they'll need a stronger in-game performance to improve confidence and trust ahead of the regular season.
One stout player this preseason is rookie center Sam Hecht, who could create conversations later in the season for a switch at the position if starter Luke Fortner underperforms.
Albert Reese IV has proven to be a reliable tackle as an undrafted free agent, with terrific development from the Pro Football Hall of Fame game to last week's contest versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the interior of Brady Christensen, Jake Curhan, and Chandler Zavala must do better with punch timing and rhythm, anchoring, and awareness in pass protection.
Chau Smith-Wade's last big push
The 2024 Panthers draft class has been a disappointment thus far, with one of them being Chau Smith-Wade, the former fifth-round pick out of Washington State. He is competing for the final cornerback spot with Akayleb Evans and undrafted rookie DeVonta Smith.
Smith-Wade seems to be a liability against the run, but his ability as a perimeter corner compared to working as a nickel seems to suit him best. The Panthers could be getting their final look at the third-year cornerback, who could also be putting tape out for other teams on the waiver wire.
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