The Carolina Panthers finished up their work this summer on Friday, with a 16-13 victory over the visiting Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Their win closed the book on a four-game journey through the preseason, and set them up for the beginning of their NFC South title defense.
But unfortunately for some players who were on the roster bubble coming in, the outing might've closed the book on their time with the team—or at least on their chances at making the initial 53-man roster.
With roster cuts coming up this weekend, here are four players who hurt their stock in tonight's triumph . . .
WR John Metchie III
Even as the team's leading receiver in the preseason prior to kickoff, Metchie has been facing an uphill battle to crack the roster. Friday night may
still have him looking up, as he recorded just one catch for five yards over three targets.
Although Metchie has made countless plays this summer, he may miss out due to his value—or lack thereof—on special teams. That's an area where fellow wideouts Brycen Tremayne and Jimmy Horn Jr. have impressed.
TE Ja'Tavion Sanders
The first bad sign for Sanders came when he was not one of the 30 players who were ruled out for the game. The second bad sign was that he ended up with zero targets.
Oh, and a third might've come courtesy of his main competition in Feleipe Franks—who notched three catches for 25 yards.
Between the improvement of Franks, the addition of former Pro Bowler Darren Waller and the rumblings around his availability via trade, Sanders may be hitting the chopping block soon.
OT Albert Reese
Reese got beat twice by Texans defensive lineman Sabastian Harsh in the first quarter—once for a sack, then again for a near-fumble of quarterback Kenny Pickett. He was also charged with a false start in the second quarter.
The 6-foot-7, 331-pounder entered Week 2 of the preseason as one of Pro Football Focus' highest-graded rookies. But a step back on Friday could keep him from sneaking onto the roster.
CB Corey Thornton
Thornton came in behind the eight ball—as Chau Smith-Wade, his challenger for the starting nickel spot, was not dressed. In another potential harbinger, fellow backup corner Akayleb Evans was also held out.
The second-year defensive back didn't make much noise in his opportunity on Friday, and might hit waivers by Sunday.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 Panthers players who hurt their stock in Friday's preseason finale
