Carolina Panthers

Ryan Fitzgerald

PK

Fitzgerald contributed 10 of the Panthers' 34 total points in the effort, making 48- and 61-yard field goals while missing a 31-yarder. The second-year kicker out of Florida State proved he has the leg for long-distance snipes but also flashed some consistency issues by missing a short-range kick. Overall, Fitzgerald had a good night and proved why he will remain the Panthers' starting kicker heading into the regular season.

Xavier Legette

WR

Legette twisted his ankle after he was rolled up on during Wednesday's session, and the injury prevented him from playing in the Carolina's 34-17 preseason win over Jacksonville on Friday. Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters after Friday's exhibition game that he wasn't sure whether Legette will practice in the coming week, making it unlikely that the 2024 first-round pick will suit up for the team's preseason finale against the Texans on Friday, Aug. 28. While Legette is sidelined, Jimmy Horn, John Metchie and David Moore will all see additional reps as the team's WR3 behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.

John Metchie III

WR

While Metchie led the Panthers in catches, targets and receiving yards, he didn't make his first reception until the second half, as Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker worked with the starters in the first quarter and David Moore and Brycen Tremayne were Kenny Pickett's wideouts in the second quarter. Once Metchie got onto the field, however, he made an immediate impact and showed strong chemistry with Pickett. Now on his fourth NFL team after being a second-round pick of the Texans in 2023, Metchie is coming off the best stretch of his career in the second half last season with the Jets. The Panthers' WR depth chart remains unsettled behind McMillan and Coker, and Metchie's effort Friday should keep him in the running for a significant role once the regular season rolls around.

Jalen Coker

WR

The Panthers' starting offense played the entire first quarter, but Coker wasn't a focal point of the passing game while Bryce Young was under center. Coker is coming off an intriguing second half in 2025, posting a 29-349-3 line on 36 targets over the final eight regular-season games before erupting for nine catches, 134 yards and a TD on 12 targets in a wild-card loss to the Rams. The third-year wideout figures to be Young's second option behind Tetairoa McMillan.

Tommy Tremble

TE

Tremble was listed as the Panthers' starting tight end Friday while Darren Waller observed the game in street clothes. Tremble played only five snaps on offense but made the most of his limited action, which included a 15-yard reception from Bryce Young during the Panthers' seven-play, 58 yard drive in the first quarter that ended with a one-yard touchdown run from Jonathon Brooks. Tremble has logged 23-plus catches in each of the last three years and more than 230 yards in his last two seasons, but his playing time in the regular season could be limited by the presence of Waller.