It seems like forever ago since the Carolina Panthers were last in action when they narrowly fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.
Now, they're back on the field in a game-day setting. And for some looking to secure places on the 53-man roster, there is an enormous amount on the line.
The Panthers are in Canton, Ohio, for this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame game against the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Dave Canales has already stated most of the established figures and all but confirmed players who'll be rostered won't feature. But for those suiting up, it's the chance to finally show what they could potentially accomplish in the NFL.
And after being starved of football for months, fans will be watching closely.
With this in mind, here are six Panthers roster hopefuls who have everything to gain in their preseason opener.
Roster hopefuls with everything to gain in Carolina Panthers' preseason opener
Ja'seem Reed, WR
There is a lot to like about the way Ja'seem Reed has approached the summer. The wide receiver is emerging as a genuine success story, with some respected analysts now bullish about his chances of making the 53-man roster.
Xavier Legette is dealing with a stinger after his scary camp fall. Chris Brazzell II has been lost for his entire rookie campaign with a torn LCL. This has created an opening for others, and Reed is doing a significant amount to improve his chances of involvement.
If Reed can bring his explosiveness and sharp route running into the preseason, he might just make it.
Haynes King, QB
Kenny Pickett will start at quarterback. Just how much time he sees on the field remains to be seen, but it would be a big surprise if there wasn't a lot of Haynes King on the field.
King was a high-priority target for the Panthers in undrafted free agency. He's started to find his groove over recent practices, with his accuracy and ability to process showing signs of growth. Of course, his mobility remains a strong trait, and there is currently no other competition for the QB3 spot.
If King can put together a decent preseason, it will stay that way.
Cam Gill, OLB
The first call Carolina made after losing Nic Scourton to a torn ACL was simple. Cam Gill, who's played for the team previously, got the nod, and the urgency with which he's approached practices since has been impressive.
Gill is a fast, twitchy edge rusher. He's also riding on the crest of a wave after a dominant campaign in the UFL, gaining double-digit sacks and winning Defensive Player of the Year for his exceptional efforts.
He's brimming with confidence, so Gill will be a player fans should keep a close eye on throughout Carolina's warm-up games.
Zakee Wheatley, S
Preseason is the best chance to get some live-fire reps into rookies lower down the pecking order. Athletic safety Zakee Wheatley fits into this category, and even though he remains a work in progress, this is a good chance to stake his claim.
Wheatley fits the mold of what Ejiro Evero looks for in his defensive backs. He's long, rangy, and knows how to operate within a zone-based scheme. Improving his tackling technique and positional discipline is the next test, but we'll get a good sense of how far along he is in the preseason.
The former Penn State playmaker's roster spot looks assured. But if Wheatley wants more, he has to make his preseason count.
Brycen Tremayne, WR
As previously mentioned, the Panthers have an opening for someone to step up in their wide receiver unit. Ja'seem Reed is getting all the hype, but Brycen Tremayne already has the coaches' trust after being around the setup last year.
Tremayne emerged as a core special-teams presence while offering a downfield option on offense. Targets were in short supply (18), but he brought most of them in (14). And with a 6-foot-4, 212-pound frame, this could be the perfect short-term replacement for Brazzell.
Aaron Hall, DL
Just as the Panthers were coming to grips with Tershawn Wharton's long-term neck injury, their defensive line depth was stretched even further with LaBryan Ray's shock retirement. But as this door closes, another one opens for undrafted rookie Aaron Hall.
The Duke product has performed throughout camp so far. Hall is strong at the contact point, has a thick base to absorb blocks, and can get into the backfield through a nice blend of speed and power. His fortunes could still go either way, but a strong preseason could see him surge onto the defensive line rotation in Ray's absence.
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