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The Carolina Panthers did not put forth their best-ever effort in last weekend’s preseason matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
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The game was ugly, with the Panthers failing to get much done on either side of the ball. However, there’s always some positive you can take away, such as wide receiver Ja’seem Reed and edge rushers Princely Umanmielen and Cam Gill having nice showings.
With OTAs, several training camp practices, and two preseason games in the books, let’s go over three veterans who are firmly on the bubble. We’ll also talk about three players who could take those spots.
RB A.J. Dillon
A.J. Dillon has been behind Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, and Trevor Etienne all summer. However, Dillon once looked like a future starter, and he’s a solid short yardage back.
The problem is Dillon, hasn’t gotten that many opportunities to impress. Even when Dillon has gotten opportunities, he hasn’t been able to pull away from the field. Dillon didn’t even get a single carry against the Bills.
The Panthers could just keep three running backs. Miles Davis could also leap Dillon, as he’s younger and faster. This race will likely come down to the wire.
WR John Metchie III
John Metchie III has actually had a nice start to the preseason. The veteran caught three passes for 38 yards in the opener and caught one pass for nine yards and a score against the Bills.
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Metchie also had a nice kick return against the Cardinals, which could only help his chance to make the team. The problem is, other receivers like Jimmy Horn Jr. and Ja’seem Reed have probably been more impressive.
Reed is the main candidate to bump Metchie off. We know Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette are locks, and David Moore and Brycen Tremayne are close to locks. I can’t imagine Metchie making it over Reed if it comes down to it.
OLB Trevis Gipson
Until recently, Trevis Gipson has mostly been predicted to make the team. Gipson has been a solid rotational edge rusher in the past, as he does have a seven-sack season on his resume.
The problem is, Gipson hasn’t stepped up this summer while others have. Cam Gill, who came to the Panthers after breaking the UFL sack record, has been awesome. Thomas Incoom is likely to make the team due to his efforts on special teams.
Ultimately, Gill’s rise could be the thing that puts Gipson out of a job. Gill added a sack and a few more pressures against the Bills.
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This story was originally published August 17, 2026 at 1:20 PM.