Panthers’ trio of veterans playing on the roster’s fringes

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Johnson is among the veterans looking to make the opening day roster after a pair of underwhelming seasons in Charlotte.

So, it began. 

“Here we are, Pittsburgh week,” Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said Monday. “I just know how important these opportunities are for guys trying to make this team.

“Practices are everything with us.” 

Monday’s workout was light with “10-12” players sidelined or limited. 

Tuesday’s get-together marked the final training-camp outing in pads and the intensity turned chippy, highlighted by cornerback Jaycee Horn throwing a punch at left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.  

Despite questioning the team’s fundamentals during its first two exhibition games, Canales likely will rest most of the starters against the Steelers on Thursday at Bank of America Stadium. The preseason finale will offer fringe players a showcase to impress with cutdown day on Aug. 26. For many, it could be their final major audition. 

Here is a look at three veterans fighting for jobs: 

• Fourth-year running back Raheem Blackshear, who could stick on special teams, but sits as the fourth ball carrier. 

• Third-year outside linebacker D.J. Johnson, who has yet to prove worthy of his third-round draft status. 

• Third-year defensive lineman LaBryan Ray, an injured depth piece who has yet to break out. 

Will they earn a spot on the initial 53-man roster?

Raheem Blackshear 

Blackshear called it a “big week.” 

He understands what’s at stake.  

With Chuba Hubbard the established starter, free-agent signee Rico Dowdle providing a second 1,000-yard rusher and rookie Trevor Etienne looking to establish himself as a third-down back, Blackshear understands fourth-string carries are few and far between. 

Listed on the depth chart as the top kickoff and punt returner, he will have to rely on special teams to get consistent touches.  
“You always want to play running back and when my time comes to play running back, I’m going to be ready for it,” Blackshear said. “Special teams is big here and anything I can do to help this team win, I’m going to do it.” 

LaBryan Ray 

Canales called the Panthers’ preseason defensive line depth “concerning.” 
Ray’s injured ankle complicated the preseason look of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s base 3-4 alignment. He is listed as week to week.

Ray appeared in 33 games the past two seasons, collecting 60 total tackles and one sack. With Derrick Brown out with a knee injury, Ray made nine starts and played a major rotational role on the injury-depleted unit. 
Listed as questionable for Thursday, Ray is the second team right defensive end behind Brown. The coaches are waiting for his ankle to heal. 

“He has not responded as quickly as we hoped,” Canales said. “We’ll push him again (Tuesday) to see if we can get him back to play Thursday.” 

D.J. Johnson 

In a 2023 draft-day move that shocked most league observers, the Panthers’ previous regime traded up to land Johnson with the 93rd overall pick. The former Oregon defender started his college career at tight end and arrived in the NFL as a raw prospect. 

In 27 career appearances, Johnson compiled 60 tackles, a half sack and one fumble recovery. In two preseason games this summer, he collected four tackles. 

With injured rookie Nic Scourton sidelined, Johnson can separate himself from other prospects like Thomas Incoom, J.J. Weaver and Boogie Basham with a strong showing against the Steelers. 

“I think D.J. has been doing a great job,” Canales said. “It’s an opportunity for a lot of guys.” 

Not only with the Panthers, but throughout the league.    

“Certainly, these are the guys who want the reps, want to be able to put things on film,” Canales said. “They also want to show the other 31 teams they can contribute.” 

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