With the final roster cutdown set to happen on Tuesday, let’s take one more crack at predicting the Carolina Panthers’ initial 2022 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks (3)
- Baker Mayfield
- Sam Darnold
- PJ Walker
The Panthers might’ve been coming into Week 1 with just Mayfield and Darnold. But after Darnold’s high-ankle sprain, an injury that could keep him out for over a month, they’ll have to bring along Walker as the temporary backup.
Running backs (3)
- Christian McCaffrey
- Chuba Hubbard
- D’Onta Foreman
Spencer Brown made an interesting run at this group, but it’ll be the expected trio that make up this backfield.
Wide receivers (7)
- DJ Moore
- Robbie Anderson
- Terrace Marshall Jr.
- Rashard Higgins
- Shi Smith
- Brandon Zylstra
- Andre Roberts
Smith not only likely made room for himself on the roster, but in the offense’s plans as well. The second-year wideout flashed his big-play ability this summer and should earn some real reps during the regular season as a result.
Tight ends (3)
- Tommy Tremble
- Ian Thomas
- Giovanni Ricci
According to head coach Matt Rhule, Ricci’s groin injury from Friday isn’t as severe as the injuries sustained by Darnold and kicker Zane Gonzalez. So as long as he isn’t set to miss an extended period of time, his versatility boxes out Stephen Sullivan for the third spot here.
Offensive linemen (9)
- Ikem Ekwonu
- Brady Christensen
- Pat Elflein
- Austin Corbett
- Taylor Moton
- Bradley Bozeman
- Cameron Erving
- Michael Jordan
- Cade Mays
Like Ricci, Mays could benefit from his versatility. The 2022 sixth-round pick lined up from four different positions during preseason play.
Defensive linemen (9)
- Brian Burns
- Derrick Brown
- Matt Ioannidis
- Yetur Gross-Matos
- Marquis Haynes Sr.
- Amaré Barno
- Bravvion Roy
- Daviyon Nixon
- Marquan McCall
McCall has absolutely shined this preseason and proved he’s worth keeping around as that added body general manager Scott Fitterer alluded to at the beginning of training camp. The undrafted rookie recorded five tackles and a sack in exhibition play.
Linebackers (6)
- Shaq Thompson
- Damien Wilson
- Frankie Luvu
- Cory Littleton
- Brandon Smith
- Julian Stanford
2022 could very well serve as a breakout campaign for Luvu. We got a sneak peek at his increased role on Friday night, as the fourth-year backer posted a team-high eight tackles over just 25 snaps.
Cornerbacks (5)
- Jaycee Horn
- Donte Jackson
- CJ Henderson
- Keith Taylor Jr.
- Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
Thomas-Oliver III’s work as a special teams gunner, as already mentioned by Rhule, gives him the inside track at a crowded room.
Safeties (5)
- Jeremy Chinn
- Xavier Woods
- Juston Burris
- Myles Hartsfield
- Kenny Robinson Jr.
Hartsfield is going to play a key role in this Panthers secondary. His ability to cover as a nickel will allow for some flexibility from defensive coordinator Phil Snow.
Specialists (3)
- JJ Jansen
- Johnny Hekker
- Eddy Piñeiro
The big unknown, obviously, is left behind by Gonzalez—who sustained a “significant long-term” injury in the preseason finale. Carolina, at least to this point, is set to bring in Brian Johnson Piñeiro—who’ll be our pick—for workouts on Monday.
