Bryce Young will be on the Carolina Panthers’ sideline for Thursday night’s exhibition finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with most of the team’s starters expected to sit. Young and the first-team offense managed only four preseason series—three three-and-outs and one touchdown drive against the Cleveland Browns—before head coach Dave Canales pulled Young after two series in the win over Houston, one fewer than he had planned.
Carolina will use Thursday’s game as a last look at depth players ahead of final cuts, with many second- and third-teamers fighting for roster spots. Young’s lack of work this week sets the stage for a fuller evaluation of the players around him in the weeks ahead as the Panthers head toward the regular season opener in Jacksonville.
Here are seven players to watch Thursday:
– Jalen Coker, WR
Coker is a lock to be on the roster and in the Week 1 receiving rotation. He missed Houston due to an illness but has proven valuable on special teams and has reliable hands. He’ll likely have a brief opportunity to showcase that catching ability again.
– Brycen Tremayne, WR
Tremayne has pushed his case despite being near the final cut line in early projections. At 6-4 and 212 pounds, he’s showed good movement and reliable ball skills. If he makes the 53-man roster, it could mean a shakeup in the receiver depth chart, potentially nudging out David Moore.
– Bryce Perkins, QB
Perkins arrived with limited practice time and a narrow playbook but brings a strong arm and a track record as a high-performing quarterback. He’s competing for QB3 behind Bryce Young and Jac Plummer, and he’ll need to display off-platform play and quick understanding of the system to stand out.
– Ryan Fitzgerald and Matthew Wright, Kickers
The kicking competition is wide open, with teams eyeing every opportunity for an edge. The Panthers could look to add another option via free agency or waivers, and Fitzgerald’s 52-yard make in Houston and Wright’s recent misses will be under the microscope again Thursday.
– Thomas Incoom, OLB
Incoom has continued to pop in practices and games with his explosive first step. At 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, he’s a thunderbolt off the edge, able to disrupt plays with speed. With Nic Scourton still recovering from a collapsed lung, Incoom’s role on defense and special teams should get more extended looks.
– Akayleb Evans, CB
Evans, a 2022 fourth-round pick, has started games and brings length and versatility at 6-2 and 198 pounds. He’s built a strong case on special teams and as a reliable option in the secondary. He’s also in a competition for depth spots as Shemar Bartholomew works to maintain consistency.
– Nic Scourton update and depth notes
Scourton’s recovery from a collapsed lung continues to influence how the Panthers approach depth at outside linebacker and secondary. Thursday’s game could further illuminate how the defense operates with roster decisions looming.
What this means for the Panthers
– The emphasis on a handful of second- and third-team players suggests Carolina is prioritizing depth across multiple positions as it trims the roster. The coaching staff is looking for players who can contribute in multiple phases, especially on special teams.
– Young’s reduced workload this week aligns with a broader strategy to protect him while still evaluating surrounding talent, particularly at receiver, edge, and secondary positions.
– The competition at kicking and the emergence of players like Incoom and Evans highlight how the Panthers are building an adaptable, multifaceted unit that can contribute beyond the starting lineup.
Summary
Carolina will close the preseason with its eyes on depth pieces that can contribute immediately, while continuing to evaluate Young’s supporting cast. The seven players highlighted represent positions where the Panthers need reliable, versatile contributors as they move toward the regular season.
A hopeful note
The Panthers appear to be prioritizing speed, versatility, and special-teams impact, aiming to rebuild a roster capable of competing at a higher level. If the depth performers step up in the final exhibition, Carolina could enter the regular season with more flexible lineups and readiness for various game situations.