Panthers vs Texans: 7 Players to watch

The Carolina Panthers second preseason game on Saturday marks another test for the roster after getting blown out by the Cleveland Browns in their first outing. Head coach Dave Canales announced earlier that he expects the starting group to get even more opportunities this week, as they’ll get around three drives worth of action – depending on the length of each drive, of course.

There are be plenty of interesting story lines and players to watch this week, so let’s breakdown a few:

Nic Scourton | Outside Linebacker | #11

The second round pick had one of the most impressive rookie showings in the NFL in Week One of the Preseason. His chase down of Shedeur Sanders to collect a sack was one of the most impressive hustle plays in recent Panthers memory, as he ran over 70 yards to finish off the play. Can he build off his production in Week One with another impressive showing?

Cade Mays | Interior Offensive Line | #64

This week Mays lost the position battle at center to the incumbent veteran Austin Corbett. Interestingly, in the joint practice the Panthers held with the Texans he was already seeing significant snaps at left guard. With starting left guard Damien Lewis nursing a shoulder injury and back-up Chandler Zavala also dealing with an injury of his own, it looks like Mays is stepping in to fill the void. If he can fill in at left guard as well as he did at center in 2024, the team may be able to avoid a catastrophic drop off at the position that was originally feared should neither Lewis or Zavala be available in a regular season game.

Corey Thornton | Cornerback | #31

The undrafted free agent rookie has gotten a lot of buzz this training camp and the hype train hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down quite yet. For a team that is desperate for some help and depth in the secondary, the continued emergence of Thornton has been welcomed. This week, he faces a tough test as the Texans sport one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the NFL at the moment. If Thornton can have another impressive showing, it may be time to consider his spot on the roster locked down.

Tetairoa McMillan | Wide Receiver | #4

McMillan has had a magnifying glass on him the entire offseason, but even with the hyper-focused attention on him he hasn’t faltered. His first catch of the preseason was an absolute beauty that could be a sign of great things to come between him and Bryce Young. In the preseason game against the Browns, McMillan was tied for the highest snap count among the team’s receivers. With the Panthers starters projected to play around three drives versus the Texans, there should be plenty of opportunities for the Panthers prized first round pick to make some splash plays.

Demani Richardson | Safety | #36

This week Canales also mentioned that veteran safety Nick Scott is currently considered to be the starter opposite Tre’Von Moehrig. Scott’s resume has left a lot to be desired thus far in his Panthers tenure, so the window for Richardson to usurp him is open. Can the second year player continue to build on his impressive rookie campaign and put up a good showing against the Texans talented roster?

Brycen Tremayne | Wide Receiver | #87

While the Panthers receiver room is loaded with depth, one player who is reportedly making plays just about every practice is Tremayne. Undrafted in 2023, Tremayne has spent most of his career on the Washington Commanders practice squad before joining the Panthers in February. The 6’4, 212lb receiver did not get many opportunities versus the Browns, as he only received 13 snaps. After a big play versus the Texans in their joint practice, has he earned a few more opportunities for the Texans?

Mitchell Evans | Tight End | #84

With veteran tight end Tommy Tremble is still dealing with an injury keeping him from practicing, the Panthers need to find another option behind Ja’Tavion Sanders to take the snaps at the position. Can the young tight end do enough to prove he can be a reliable fill-in?