The Carolina Panthers' preseason, especially the opener, represents a chance for those lower down the pecking order to stake their claim to roster spots. And for wide receiver Ja'seem Reed, it's an opportunity to build on what's been a fantastic summer so far.
Reed has been among the standouts of training camp so far. He is getting more opportunities to impress after rookie third-rounder Chris Brazzell II was ruled out for the campaign with a torn LCL, and he's seizing the moment in no uncertain terms.
This was a positive first step for Reed. But if he wants to make a serious push for involvement this season, producing the goods in Carolina's warm-up slate is vital.
Ja'seem Reed's moment of truth has arrived in Carolina Panthers' roster bid
Momentum is everything for wide receivers. That bears special significance for those on the fringes. Reed finally has some positivity working in his favor, but it will count for nothing if he cannot make the catches needed when targets come his way in a more typical, uncontrolled game-day environment.
It'll be fascinating to see how Reed responds to the challenge. He's got the size, length, and dynamism that head coach Dave Canales typically looks for in his pass-catchers, and being around the practice squad last season also benefited him greatly. Even so, this is all about taking the next step from also-ran to valuable contributor.
And it could still legitimately go either way.
What comes next is down to Reed. He's got his foot in the door and is getting noticed by the right people in Carolina. With Brazzell on the shelf until 2027, the door cracks open even further. Whether he can force his way through it is the big question.
Reed begins his quest to impress in Carolina's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame game to honor legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly and prolific wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Neither club will be playing its top guys, which levels the field. It also means the wideout is testing his skills against others hungry for their chance to shine in the spotlight.
The Panthers reward hard work under this regime. They reward those who take advantage of their moments, and there are no thoughts to previous reputations. If Reed is good enough, Carolina won't hesitate to take him through onto its 53-man roster.
Anything less, and a place on the practice squad might be the most realistic outcome.
This is Reed's moment. He's making some encouraging strides, but the bigger tests are now here. However, for the first time in his fleeting NFL journey so far, the former San Diego standout is riding a tidal wave of optimism.
Let's see if it continues...
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