The Carolina Panthers concluded their preseason slate with another victory. Head coach Dave Canales' squad went 3-1 over their four warm-up games, and while the results don't really matter, it's nice for any team to build confidence heading into the new campaign.
All the leading men were absent for both teams, and the torrential weather didn't do much to make it a spectacle. Still, the Panthers showed fight and dug out of it, which is precisely what Canales and general manager Dan Morgan wanted to see as attention turns to final cuts.
Before the movement begins, here are four winners and two losers from the Panthers' success over the Texans at Bank of America Stadium.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' preseason win against the Houston Texans
Winner: Jared Harrison-Hunte, DL
This was the last audition for anyone looking to force their way into Carolina's plans. And while his fortunes are still hanging in the balance, Jared Harrison-Hunte flashed promise in the defensive trenches.
Harrison-Hunte managed to push the pile. He was explosive enough to create pressure and was always looking to make something happen. That might not be enough, but a place on the practice squad wouldn't be a bad consolation prize.
Loser: Trevor Etienne, RB
If Trevor Etienne wanted to use this game as a springboard for more involvement, he was out of luck. The running back got hurt on his second snap, with Canales stating it was an ankle problem that will need imaging to determine its severity.
Etienne was going to make the team. But if he is forced for a spell on the sidelines, it blows the door open for A.J. Dillon to book his place.
Winner: Ryan Fitzgerald, PK
This was not a game for the football purists, as evidenced by the 6-3 halftime score. The weather conditions made things incredibly difficult for both clubs. Fortunately, the Panthers have a rock-solid kicker these days.
Ryan Fitzgerald was a perfect 3-for-3 on his field goal attempts. He coped well with the adverse weather, which is a big confidence boost as he looks to take the next step in Year 2 of his professional career.
Winner: Trevis Gipson, OLB
With the established edge rushers either injured or getting the night off, those fighting for places got their chance to shine. And not for the first time this summer, Trevis Gipson was the one who arguably stood out above the rest.
Gipson looks well suited to Carolina's 3-4 scheme under Ejiro Evero. He was a constant menace in the backfield and made his presence felt on special teams. As such, it would be surprising if his name wasn't on the 53-man roster.
Loser: Albert Reese IV, OT
There has been a lot to like about offensive tackle Albert Reese IV's impact this offseason. However, his last impression in a live-fire game-day setting was not a good one.
Reese struggled to generate any positive momentum. He looked shaky in pass protection and blew a couple of assignments he would no doubt like to have back. Whether this will tip the scales enough to leave him off the team is another matter.
Winner: DeVonta Smith, CB
Undrafted rookies have a difficult task on their hands. They have to fight their way up, and earning a spot on the practice squad is considered an achievement. First-year cornerback DeVonta Smith is no different, but he did a tremendous job in Carolina's preseason finale all the same.
Smith looked assured in coverage, coming up with some eye-catching pass breakups. His tackling in space and ability to recognize where the football was going were other standout features of his performance. Whatever the future holds for the Notre Dame product, he can look back on this performance with pride.
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