Carolina Panthers are set to trim their roster from 90 to 53 players by 4:00 PM ET on Tuesday, August 26, with the final cuts likely to include a decision at kicker. The move comes as teams finalize the makeup of their opening-week squads ahead of Week 1, which for Carolina is scheduled to open against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, September 7. The Panthers caution that the 4 PM roster is not locked in for the season, noting that late cuts and injuries can still shuffle positions in the days that follow.
Important roster rules to watch: two players can be placed on injured reserve before final cuts and still be designated to return during the season. Any other player placed on IR before the 4 PM deadline would be ineligible to return this season. This adds another layer of complexity for Dan Morgan and the coaching staff as they balance depth with health.
Among the injury stories to monitor are two promising rookies, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. Both have shown long-term potential for the Panthers, with the organization banking on them contributing in 2025 and beyond. Preseason injuries have sidelined them recently, but both appear poised to be available for meaningful early playing time if everything remains on track. Any setbacks or hidden complications could affect their roster spots and the overall balance of the 53.
Takeaways to watch as the deadline approaches:
– Kicker competition: The final 53 may hinge on who wins the kicking job, a critical position given the pressure of close games and field-position swings.
– IR considerations: Which players are moved to injured reserve with a possible return, and how that affects depth at positions like wide receiver, cornerback, and edge rush?
– Youth vs. experience: The Panthers will need to balance promising rookies and last year’s contributors to build a roster capable of contending in a tough division.
– Post-deadline adjustments: Even after the 4 PM deadline, expect further changes through waivers and signings as NFL teams finalize their Week 1 rosters.
A positive outlook remains for Carolina as it navigates a challenging cut-down period. The presence of upbeat injury news about Scourton and Umanmielen, combined with strategic decisions at kicker and other positions, could help the Panthers assemble a 53-man squad that blends youth with proven contributors. If the team can get healthy and make the right depth moves, the transition to the regular season could be smoother than expected.
Summary: The Panthers must finalize a 53-man roster by the Tuesday deadline, with a late-injury and IR dynamic shaping what remains on the roster. The kicker competition and the health status of rookie hopefuls Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen are among the key storylines as Carolina prepares for a season-opening date with the Jaguars and looks ahead toward 2025.