Carolina’s 20-3 loss to Houston in the preseason exposed both bright spots and rough edges for the Panthers, but for fantasy managers the standout moments were clear. Brycen Tremayne led the offense with 46 receiving yards on three catches, averaging 15.3 yards per grab and hauling a 23-yard score-like hook in the third; Jarrett Kingston handled all 32 snaps at center with zero pressures and earned game-high reliability; Yosh Nijman allowed zero pressures across his 32 snaps at right tackle and extra work at left tackle, while Brady Christensen provided steady value on the left edge. Emani Bailey delivered a 66.3 grade on a complementary backfield role. On the quarterback side, Andy Dalton left with an elbow issue after two completions on four attempts for 22 yards, while Jack Plummer finished 10 of 14 for 83 yards with two interceptions, and Ja'Tavion Sanders dropped a third-down ball that stalled Carolina’s opening drive.

Defensively, Jon Rhattigan scored a 90.0, pacing three pressures and an 83.5 coverage grade; Trevin Wallace (83.7 coverage), Bam Martin-Scott (79.5), J.J. Weaver (72.3), and Lathan Ransom (71.0) also flashed in coverage and pressure. The defense showed a few notable stops, but the unit also surrendered a handful of plays that will need cleaner technique and better situational awareness in August. The worst marks belonged to S Jack Henderson (47.9), Boogie Basham (47.9), Shy Tuttle (47.4), Thomas Incoom (44.1), and A’Shawn Robinson (29.5) overall, with Basham/Incoom delivering five combined pressures but Robinson’s coverage grade dragging the unit.

Bottom line: Tremayne, Kingston, Nijman, Christensen and Bailey surfaced as likely roster fixtures or practice-squad type contributors, while Dalton’s health and the QB room’s continuity will be closely watched into Week 1 prep. On defense, Rhattigan and Wallace offered playmaking upside, but the trenches and secondary showed a mix of solid fundamentals and needed improvements as Carolina builds toward the regular season.

Carolina’s 2025 summer depth chart is out again, and little has changed from the prior version as they head toward the second preseason game. Bryce Young remains the clear starter, with Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer in the QB room. In the backfield, Chuba Hubbard sits atop the depth chart, followed by Rico Dowdle, Trevor Etienne, Raheem Blackshear, Emani Bailey, and Kayron Lynch-Adams in reserve order. The Panthers deploy a crowded receiver corps led by Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan with Adam Thielen as their veteran this season. Ja’Tavion Sanders anchors the tight end group with Mitchell Evans and James Mitchell behind him. The offensive line sees Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Michael Tarquin, Damien Lewis, Chandler Zavala, and Brandon Walton in the starting positions, with Austin Corbett winning the center job over Cade Mays. The center competition is resolved while No.2 safety and kicking remain open through camp. On defense, Wharton shifts from second-string end to first-string tackle, nudging Brown to the bench at top DT. Special teams remain fluid with Wright vs. Fitzgerald at kicker and Blackshear as a return option. Follow @ThePanthersWire for updates as Canales tightens the roster for the preseason and beyond.

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a crucial training camp, focusing on their tight end squad. With Tommy Tremble recovering from offseason back surgery, the stage is set for Ja'Tavion Sanders, the promising fourth-round pick from 2024, to shine. He demonstrated potential last season with 33 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown, making him the favorite for primary snaps. Meanwhile, Mitchell Evans, the fifth-round draft pick, adds to the competition and aims to replicate the success of past Notre Dame tight ends.

Others, including Dominique Dafney and Bryce Pierre, face uncertainty, making the tight end position one of the more intriguing battles to watch as the team prepares for the regular season.

The NFC South tight ends showcase a mix of raw talent and untapped potential heading into the 2025 season. Though injuries have plagued some of the division's best, players like Kyle Pitts and Taysom Hill spark intrigue.

Ranked from seventh to first, Tommy Tremble and Ja'Tavion Sanders of the Carolina Panthers highlight the lower end, while Juwan Johnson and Cade Otton emerge as standout options for their respective teams. Taysom Hill's versatility for the New Orleans Saints continues to pose matchup nightmares for defenses.