Head coach Frank Reich and the Carolina Panthers will continue to err on the side of caution with their bell-cow running back.
On Wednesday, Reich confirmed that Miles Sanders—who did not play in the preseason opener—will not see any action on Friday against the New York Giants. Sanders, who signed a four-year, $25.4 million deal with the Panthers this spring, is still dealing with a groin injury.
When asked if there’s a possibility that Sanders will also miss the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Reich didn’t dismiss it.
“There’s a chance,” he replied. “I think there’s a chance at that.”
Nonetheless, he’s excited about what the rest of the room can bring to close out the summer.
“I actually think they’ve all had really good moments,” he said of the backup backs. “And so, got a good opportunity Friday night and then next week against the Lions—just to see if anyone kinda steps out in the front. But I think they’ve all looked good.
“Obviously, Spencer [Brown] ran the ball really well last week. Chuba’s [Hubbard] really been consistent. Raheem [Blackshear] continues to do his thing, and then he has the added value the special teams stuff he does as a returner. So, it’s an interesting battle. It’s an interesting battle to kinda see who are the complementary guys for Miles. As you know, we’re gonna do it by committee. But those guys have looked good. Really happy with that room.”
Brown led the way in Saturday’s matchup with the Jets, recording a team-high eight carries for 34 yards. Hubbard notched four attempts for nine yards while Blackshear took his lone try for a pair of yards.
