The Carolina Panthers played their first preseason game on Thursday night. It was nice to see the team back on the field, even if it was just backups and fringe roster guys.
We've been able to learn quite a bit about this roster already, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some big questions. Today, let's go through each position group and identify the biggest question for each room.
Quarterback: How Good Can Bryce Young Be?
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Bryce Young took a step forward in 2025, having his best individual season and leading the Panthers to the playoffs. However, the Panthers need to see more, especially since Young is due for a massive extension.
If Young takes a step forward, the Panthers will win the NFC South again. The roster around the quarterback is solid, so they'll go as far as he will take them.
Running Back: Will Jonathon Brooks Take Over the Room?
Jonathon Brooks has looked awesome the summer. The former second-round pick is finally healthy and he looks explosive. Brooks earned some first-team reps this summer and he clearly has more upside than Chuba Hubbard at this point.
Now, we just need to see if Brooks will take over immediately or if the RB1 job is still Hubbard's for the time being.
Wide Receiver: Does Xavier Legette Finally Take a Leap?
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Xavier Legette couldn't have a better opportunity to prove everybody wrong this year. With Chris Brazzell II out for the year, Legette is clearly the WR3 heading into the season.
If Legette finally plays like an early draft pick, the Panthers' receiver room will be in good shape. If Legette struggles again or flat-out loses the WR3 battle, it's hard to imagine him sticking around after the season.
Tight End: Is Anybody Going to Step Up?
The tight end spot is the biggest question mark on the team. The Ja'Tavion Sanders-Tommy Tremble-Mitchell Evans trio didn't do much to get excited about in 2025, but the team opted to run it back anyway.
Sanders seemingly has the most upside, but he's the only one of the three who played on Thursday, which isn't a good sign. The main hope seems to be that Evans breaks out, but that's far from guaranteed to happen.
Offensive Line: Can the Tackles Stay Afloat Until Starters Return?
Ikem Ekwonu got hurt in the playoffs and Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots this summer. As a result, the Panthers are going to spend a big chunk of the season without either starting tackle.
Luckily, Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling have looked solid this summer. Can those two hold down the fort until Ekwonu and Moton get back?
Defensive Line/EDGE: Can this Unit Survive Injuries?
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We know Derrick Brown is going to do his thing, and the Panthers are paying Jaelan Phillips to be an elite edge rusher. Other than that, there aren't many guarantees on this line.
Tershawn Wharton is out indefinitely and Nic Scourton is out for the year. Those are huge losses and there's no guarantee the Panthers can withstand them. Guys like rookie Lee Hunter and second-year Princely Umanmielen are going to have break out.
Linebacker: Is Trevin Wallace Ready to Step Up?
The Panthers addressed the middle of the defense by bringing in Devin Lloyd. We know Lloyd will be solid, but the veteran is going to need some help. Trevin Wallace, who has largely underperformed so far, is currently in line to start.
Can Wallace actually take a step forward? That would be nice, because the depth isn't great behind him.
Secondary: Is the Depth Good Enough?
Lumping the cornerback and safety rooms together because the same question applies. After the Hall of Fame Game, it's easy to be worried about depth in the secondary.
The backup units let the Cardinals' offense do whatever it wanted on Thursday night. Cardinals' quarterbacks only threw five incompletions combined and ended with 280 yards and two touchdowns.
The starters should be fine at corner and safety, but if injuries pop up, it might be a little scary.
