Carolina Panthers to Sit Key Starters in Preseason Opener

The Carolina Panthers are taking a cautious approach in their first preseason game, resting a majority of starters for Thursday night’s match against the New England Patriots.

With two more exhibitions remaining and few questions at many starting positions, including quarterback, the Panthers will hold out Bryce Young, Diontae Johnson, and all starting offensive linemen. Additionally, three running backs will sit out the contest.

Rookie first-round receiver Xavier Legette will also not play due to a lower leg injury, but tests revealed no structural damage.

The full list of inactives is as follows:

* RB Raheem Blackshear
* WR Diontae Johnson
* RB Miles Sanders
* DE Jadeveon Clowney
* CB Jaycee Horn
* QB Bryce Young
* CB Troy Hill
* QB Andy Dalton
* WR Xavier Legette
* WR Adam Thielen
* S Jordan Fuller
* S Nick Scott
* RB Jonathon Brooks
* S Xavier Woods
* RB Chuba Hubbard
* OLB Amaré Barno
* S Sam Franklin Jr.
* LB Josey Jewell
* LB Cam Gill
* G Robert Hunt
* LB Shaq Thompson
* C Austin Corbett
* G Nash Jensen
* G Damien Lewis
* T Taylor Moton
* T Ikem Ekwonu
* TE Ian Thomas
* TE Tommy Tremble
* DE LaBryan Ray
* DE A’Shawn Robinson
* DE Derrick Brown
* OLB D.J. Wonnum
* DT Shy Tuttle

The Panthers’ cautious approach is understandable, given the importance of avoiding injuries in the preseason. With a joint practice session against the New York Jets next week, Head Coach Dave Canales is prioritizing player health and readiness for the regular season.