5 Carolina Panthers who cemented roster spots in 2024 preseason finale

Dave Canales picked up his first victory as an NFL head coach as the Carolina Panthers finished their 2024 preseason engagements on a high.

There was a lot to like about the way things are coming along with the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator leading the charge. Fans got more encouraging signs at the Buffalo Bills, especially on the offensive side of the football.

Canales played his starters for the first series and was rewarded with a polished display. The Bills didn't have anything more than second or third-stringers out there, but it was something to build on with Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints firmly on the horizon.

This game also saw those fighting for roster spots or prominent depth chart positions with one last opportunity to enhance their prospects with final cuts coming soon. Some struggled to meet expectations. Others thrived with extra pressure on their shoulders.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who cemented their roster spots in their preseason triumph at the Bills.

Carolina Panthers players who cemented roster spots in Preseason Week 3

Jack Anderson - Carolina Panthers OL

The Carolina Panthers could have asked much more from Jack Anderson since his late arrival this summer. He was initially seen as a camp body with injuries piling up across the offensive line. His exceptional transition and accomplished performances in the preseason have provided those in power with plenty to think about.

Anderson is a stout presence to shift off the block. He took complete command from the moment he stepped onto the field against the Bills, displaying outstanding hand placement and reactionary traits to bolster his stock considerably.

The Panthers have questions to answer regarding offensive line depth. Having someone like Anderson - someone who looks capable of improving further with more time to familiarize himself with the blocking concepts - would be an asset.

New general manager Dan Morgan might cut him loose in favor of others who've been immersed in the program for longer. That would be a mistake based on how Anderson's fared since joining the Panthers.

Jordan Matthews - Carolina Panthers TE

The Carolina Panthers are looking for their tight ends to become more impactful within Dave Canales' offense in 2024. There was an emphasis on getting them involved heavily on the opening drive when second-year quarterback Bryce Young was on the field. This benefitted the signal-caller enormously.

Jordan Matthews was once again one of the primary beneficiaries. The former wide receiver has caught the eye frequently throughout the summer and during Carolina's preseason slate. He did his roster hopes the world of good by catching a touchdown pass from Young to conclude an impressive opening drive.

Matthews caught all three of his targets for 21 receiving yards and a score. This sort of dependability in the tight-end unit has been sorely lacking since Greg Olsen was allowed to walk in 2020. Much will depend on how many the Panthers take through, but the former Vanderbilt star looks like a shoo-in to make the squad.

The likes of Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, and rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders should also fancy their chances. However, there's no doubt Matthews' performances have earned the right to become part of Carolina's plans when the regular season begins.

Mike Boone - Carolina Panthers RB

The running back dynamic is something to watch over the next few days. Jonathon Brooks - the promising second-round rookie - will likely start the season on injured reserve as he recovers from a torn ACL. That opens things up for others to step up and make their presence felt.

Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard look locked into their respective positions atop the running back depth chart until Brooks returns. Raheem Blackshear's status is less certain now thanks in no small part to the emergence of Mike Boone.

Boone's bounced around the league since going undrafted out of Cincinnati in 2018. He's a compact runner with outstanding explosiveness. He's also made opportunities count throughout the summer to enter roster consideration.

The Baker County High School product finished on a positive note, gaining 20 rushing yards and a touchdown from just four carries. Carolina didn't utilize Boone all that much at Highmark Stadium, which is a telling sign they have bigger plans ahead for him when the regular season arrives.

Terrace Marshall Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR

It's been another standout summer for Terrace Marshall Jr. All hope seemed lost for the wide receiver following another anonymous campaign in 2023 that also saw a trade request granted. He looks like a man reborn under new head coach Dave Canales.

Marshall's gone from an afterthought to a potentially important piece of the Carolina Panthers' offensive plans with Canales leading the charge. His situation remained precarious heading into Preseason Week 3 at the Buffalo Bills. However, an impressive display that saw the former second-round selection find the end-zone secures his spot.

The LSU product displayed assured hands and elusiveness to find his way in for a touchdown. Getting it done in a competitive setting remains the biggest question surrounding Marshall. This went a long way to alleviating concerns.

Nothing is guaranteed. At the same time, Marshall's earned the right for another go-around after thriving in a scheme that looks much better suited to his strengths. That's more encouraging than even the brightest optimist envisaged heading into the offseason program.

D'Shawn Jamison - Carolina Panthers CB

The Panthers recently acquired Mike Jackson via trade from the Seattle Seahawks, which provides the cornerback unit with another experienced outside presence who can hold his own in coverage. Dane Jackson is out for around six weeks, so general manager Dan Morgan deserves credit for not sitting on his hands and waiting for things to happen.

That raised the stakes for others in the unit. Some lower down the pecking order have done well this offseason, but Jackson's arrival alters the dynamic. Fortunately for D'Shawn Jamison, he took on the challenge with his customary determination in Carolina's final preseason game.

Jamison's come to the fore this summer and finished on a high. He was assured in coverage and closed space quickly to make important tackles. Carolina's offense gained the headlines - and rightfully so - but the former Texas standout did more than enough to cement his spot.

It would be a huge shock if Jamison didn't attain his place on the squad looking at the player's overall body of work. If the Panthers go in a different direction, someone else should scoop him off waivers.

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