The Panthers trimmed their roster to 53 by the NFL deadline on Saturday.
There were a few surprises, with the Panthers opting to cut versatile 3rd string quarterback/special team guru Joe Webb. The team also released Garrett Gilbert, leaving only two quarterbacks on the roster. The move suggests that the front office is placing a good deal of confidence in the health and durability of Cam Newton who only took snaps for one series in preseason. Backup Derek Anderson struggled in the role but was kept on the roster due to his history with the team.
Another area closely watched on Saturday was the kicking corps. Things were a bit crowded with two punters and two kickers. The team decided to cut punter Andy Lee; keeping Michael Palardy. Both Graham Gano and 7th round draft pick Harrison Butker were kept on the roster with the team fielding calls regarding Gano.
Coming into the season, the Panthers sought to shore up the secondary bringing in veterans Mike Adams and Captain Munnerlyn. However, the secondary is still an area of concern.
An already thin secondary took a blow when Zack Sanchez suffered a groin injury and Teddy Williams injured his shoulder in Thursday night’s preseason loss to the Steelers. Williams and Sanchez were cut yesterday. The Panthers traded WR Kaelin Clay to the Bills for CB Kevon Seymour.
5th round pick CB Corn Elder has been inactive all preseason due to a knee injury and undrafted rookie CB Cole Luke made it onto the roster by way of injuries.
The Panthers will also likely look to add a safety soon as Mike Adams, Kurt Coleman, and Colin Jones are the only safeties on the roster.