Tag: Jammie Robinson

Panthers Week 10 inactives: 3 starters out vs. Giants

A few surprises were included on the Panthers’ list of Week 10 inactives.

The Carolina Panthers’ list of inactives for their Week 10 outing included a couple of surprises.

Tight end Tommy Tremble and outside linebacker Charles Harris are among the seven players who will not suit up for this morning’s matchup against the New York Giants. Tremble was listed as questionable for the contest after a full practice on Friday while Harris, the team leader in sacks (3.0), was not included on the injury report at all.

His absence will likely give way to fellow pass rusher D.J. Wonnum, who is set to make his Panthers debut out of Munich, Germany. Wonnum has been sidelined all season due to complications from a torn quad.

Here’s the full list of inactives for the Panthers:

  • CB Shemar Bartholomew
  • RB Jonathon Brooks
  • DL Jaden Crumedy
  • OT Ikem Ekwonu
  • OLB Charles Harris
  • S Jammie Robinson
  • TE Tommy Tremble

And for the Giants:

  • QB Tommy DeVito (Emergency QB)
  • WR Bryce Ford-Wheaton
  • G Jake Kubas
  • ILB Darius Muasau
  • S Jason Pinnock
  • DL Jordon Riley
  • WR Darius Slayton

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Panthers Week 8 inactives: 7 players ruled out vs. Broncos

The Panthers will be without a few key offensive weapons in Denver this afternoon.

If Bryce Young wants to make a statement in the Mile High City this afternoon, he’ll have to do it without the help of a few key weapons.

The Carolina Panthers have ruled seven players as inactive for their Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos, including wideout Diontae Johnson. Johnson will miss his first game of the campaign due to a rib injury.

With the Panthers at 1-6 and the trade deadline just a little over a week away, Johnson’s absence has raised some speculation about a possible deal. Head coach Dave Canales was asked on Friday if the decision to hold Johnson out relates to preserving a move of the one-time Pro Bowler.

“Those are all conversations that Dan [Morgan] and Brandt [Tilis] will handle,” Canales replied. “For me, it’s like, I wanna do the best thing for Diontae, the best thing for the offense and the continuity of what we’re trying to get done. And the fact that he couldn’t get back on the field this week, I felt confident about the guys being able to step in there and do it.”

The Panthers will also be without last year’s leading receiving Adam Thielen, who is still on his way back from a hamstring strain. Thielen was designated to return to practice on Wednesday, but has yet to be activated to the main roster.

Here is the full list of inactives on the day for Carolina:

  • CB Shemar Bartholomew
  • RB Jonathon Brooks
  • QB Andy Dalton
  • CB Dane Jackson
  • WR Diontae Johnson
  • OT Yosh Nijman
  • S Jammie Robinson

And for Denver:

  • CB Kris Abrams-Draine
  • TE Greg Dulcich
  • S P.J. Locke
  • OT Alex Palczewski
  • OLB Dondrea Tillman
  • DL Eyioma Uwazurike
  • QB Zach Wilson

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Panthers Week 1 inactives: 7 players deactivated for opener vs. Saints

The Panthers named seven inactives for their regular-season opener in New Orleans.

The Carolina Panthers have listed seven inactives ahead of this afternoon’s regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints.

Those players are as follows:

  • CB Shemar Bartholomew
  • G Jarrett Kingston
  • DL LaBryan Ray
  • C Andrew Raym
  • S Jammie Robinson
  • TE Messiah Swinson
  • TE Tommy Tremble

With Tremble down due to a hamstring injury and Ian Thomas now on injured reserve with a lingering calf issue, the Panthers are expected to start rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders in what will be his first official NFL game. The fourth-round pick earned rave reviews from head coach Dave Canales earlier this summer.

“So JT is taking those steps that we’re looking for,” Canales said of the 21y-year-old during training camp. “Made a big play at Fan Fest to end it, to end the scrimmage on a corner. Had a couple nice plays today, nice catches. He’s doin’ it. He’s making the most of his opportunity. It’s pushed him right up with that first group, to be able to show the guys you can count on him and he’s been really dependable with that.”

Sanders will be backed by veteran Jordan Matthews and Feleipe Franks, who was signed to the active roster on Saturday.

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Panthers Wire mailbag: What fans want to know ahead of Week 1

Panthers Wire contributor Jared Feinberg answers some of your questions as we head into Week 1 of the 2024 season.

The Carolina Panthers enter the opening week of the regular season with plenty of question marks yet to be answered. Fans are curious about how their team will perform heading into the year, and want to gauge what is to come.

With Week 1 just days away, let’s reach into our very first mailbag here at Panthers Wire and answer a few of your inquiries . . .

(Note: Some questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

Expectations for Jonathan Mingo

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Justin asks – What are you expecting from Jonathan Mingo in Year 2?

There was a lot of criticism about Mingo’s play as a rookie in 2023. The second-round pick’s spatial awareness and feel as a wideout were inconsistent at best—resulting in him being out of position, overrunning passes thrown his way and, overall, just offering a skill set that was plain raw.

It’s not Mingo’s fault that the bar may have been set too high. The former Ole Miss standout was a bit overdrafted, and struggled in a bad 2023 Panthers offense. Grace should be given to the 23-year-old.

Mingo turned in a terrific summer where he displayed strides as a route runner and an improved feel for the game. He all but established himself as the No. 2 outside receiver–the off-ball Z–and a potential top target for fellow draft classmate and Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.

This season should see Mingo come close to doubling his yardage total from last year, where he caught 43 passes for 413 yards and no touchdowns. He’ll be the team’s top run-after-catch playmaker outside of rookie Xavier Legette and should receive a decent number of targets.

Xavier Legette’s role in the current rotation

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Chris asks – How do you think they work Leggette into the rotation? I assume he’ll start the season as WR4.

Chris, you are correct. Legette is currently listed as the team’s No. 4 receiver on the unofficial depth chart. While some fans have voiced concerns about Legette potentially not seeing ample playing time early in the season, the team’s first-round selection should hit the gridiron plenty.

Legette will likely be in when the team needs a big play downfield, or if they want to get him in space where he can split defenders and create yards after the catch. He would rotate in with Adam Thielen and Mingo, with snaps as the Z-receiver and in the slot to garner off-coverage looks. But, no, I don’t expect him to get eight to 10 targets per game—at least early on.

Look for Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik to get him schemed targets and allow him to function as a quality rotational piece before getting more snaps throughout the campaign.

How the new DBs could play a role in the secondary

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Malte asks – Do you see any of the new DBs cracking the rotation besides Mike Jackson?

As Malte alluded to, the team traded for Mike Jackson and is expected to start him alongside Jaycee Horn. Then, last week, Carolina took advantage of the No. 1 priority on the NFL’s waiver wire and came away with three cornerbacks.

Those three players–Keenan Isaac, Tariq Castro-Fields and Shemar Bartholomew–are all players with size, length and athleticism. That has value. It’s possible we see these three on special teams and occasionally rotated in to give Horn and Jackson a breather.

However, it’s also possible that one of these three could be inactive depending on the matchup and how each player performs in practice. All three received quite favorable Pro Football Focus grades, which matched some of the tape displayed during the preseason with their former teams.

It’s important that Carolina added bigger corners that resembled their starters. By doing this, it gives them depth with the expectation that their level of play is elevated.

Biggest strength and weakness of the roster

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

CoastalPanther asks – What areas of the roster do YOU feel are our strongest and weakest this season? For me, I feel for the first time in ages WR is bright and I feel DE and a strong No. 2 CB are areas of concern until we see how the new additions shake out. But, feel great with direction and seriousness.

Great question! I do agree with you that there is alignment, direction and deliberateness in the Panthers’ process currently.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan is making it known what he is looking for with the Seattle prototype of big, lengthy cornerbacks. I’m intrigued with the waiver wire additions. But until it shows on the field, it’s an unknown.

The biggest weakness on this roster is the No. 2 outside linebacker spot. The team claimed an undrafted free-agent edge rusher, Jamie Sheriff, to add depth to the room. However, head coach Dave Canales has yet to determine who will be starting opposite of Clowney for the season opener in New Orleans.

Carolina’s biggest strength is undoubtedly the safety room. While Canales has made an argument for his group of wideouts, it’s hard to ignore the talent and depth the team’s backend possesses.

Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller will be manning the deep thirds this season. And backup Nick Scott, who could start on several teams, gives the unit a seamless transition if one of the two were injured.

Additionally, second-year defensive back Jammie Robinson is the physical player in the group—providing physicality and power as a tackler while adding value on special teams.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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Reviewing film for the Panthers’ top performers from preseason game vs. Jets

Before we jump into the Panthers’ preseason finale on Saturday, let’s hit the film for some standouts from last week’s outing.

The Carolina Panthers fell short to the New York Jets in their second preseason game last Saturday—where the team’s starters were, once again, held out of action. So, this left even more meaningful playing time to those whose jobs aren’t exactly secure.

Unfortunately, some of the players who took advantage of their opportunities are no longer on the roster—most notably running back Dillon Johnson and cornerback Lamar Jackson. But after taking a deep dive into the All-22 film from the contest, we still have three standouts to highlight . . .

LG Jack Anderson

Anderson has already made quite a few stops since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2021. Carolina, who reeled in the Texas Tech product on Aug. 11 to counter the injuries along their offensive line, became his sixth.

I came away not only thoroughly impressed, but also surprised by how seamlessly he played against the Jets’ second-team defensive line—which featured a couple of players who could’ve been starters elsewhere.

Anderson did some good work on duo blocks, creating creases for Johnson and fellow running back Mike Boone. He displayed the mobility to work effortlessly to the second level, and impressed with his movement skills and flexibility—which allowed him to wash out looping pass rushers. 

The 6-foot-4, 313-pounder did a nice job of getting his pads low and winning with leverage. He was looking for extra defenders to block or help his fellow linemen with and put multiple defenders in the ground.

While he isn’t a lock for the Panthers’ initial 53-man roster, Anderson could make for a solid depth piece or practice squad player in another opportunity.

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Sanders, who has continued to grow into the chances he’s received due to injuries at his position, was one of a few rookie standouts on the night.

It wasn’t long ago that the former Texas Longhorn was the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart. With Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble banged up, that allowed the team’s fourth-round selection to get his time in the spotlight.

There was a concern that the rookie would need to allocate some time as a big slot as he developed his in-line skill set. Instead, Sanders seems quite comfortable as an in-line Y and blocker.

He’s displaying more effort and willingness to stay attached to blocks. This allowed for some decent yardage for Boone and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo at times. Early in the game—off a play-action bootleg—Sanders ran a flat route to the boundary, catching it in stride and lowering his shoulder to bulldoze a would-be tackler. 

With Thomas still dealing with an injury and Tremble having another potential hamstring issue after practice on Thursday, Sanders could be in line to have not only significant playing time in Week 1, but make his first career start in the NFL.

LB Trevin Wallace

A raw linebacker out of Kentucky, Wallace was arguably the most questionable selection by Carolina in the 2024 draft. And that rawness still shows, as he must continue to work on not overthinking each play and moving with the flow of the game.

But Wallace put on a show that made Panthers fans giddy for the future of the middle of their defense.

The former All-SEC defender displayed the sideline-to-sideline range and elite athletic ability that intrigued general manager Dan Morgan. Wallace brings a good amount of pop at the tackle point while flashing consistent technique as a tackler.

Remember how vicious Luke Kuechly’s tackles were? There were some shades of that, as Wallace sifted through traffic well while displaying good run fits and tackles in space.

Other standouts

  • Rookie cornerback Chau Smith-Wade was impressive with his reps at outside corner and at the nickel. He displayed good effort and willingness to come downhill in run support. There were also instances of him upending ball carriers. Don’t be surprised if he’s in line to start Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints at nickel.
  • Smith-Wade’s teammate, second-year defensive back Jammie Robinson, had an outstanding game against the Jets. He showed physicality in the run game, making physical tackles in the open field while being a great run support and defender in coverage. 
  • Outside linebacker D.J. Johnson and interior defensive lineman T.J. Smith were two performers that stood out to me as well, especially in the first half. I appreciated Johnson’s effort and ability to seal off the backside of inside or outside zone runs. The Panthers’ 2023 third-round selection made some good plays against the run. Smith continued his strong preseason with great effort and his second sack in as many weeks. He has become a top candidate for the practice squad heading into the final game of the preseason.

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6 biggest winners from Panthers’ preseason loss to Jets

A couple of young safeties stepped up for the Panthers defense on Saturday night.

The Carolina Panthers couldn’t jump off the schneid on Saturday night—falling to the visiting New York Jets, 15-12, in their second preseason outing of the summer. But that doesn’t mean every Panther left the field with a big ol’ L.

Here are the six biggest winners from the exhibition:

RB Dillon Johnson

(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

Johnson was the Panthers offense, as his game-high 83 rushing yards accounted for over half of the team’s output. Plus, his 2-yard touchdown as time expired was Carolina’s first visit to the end zone in their last four games.

Unfortunately for Johnson, his chances of making the initial 53-man roster are still essentially non-existent given how crowded the backfield is. But the undrafted rookie put together some eye-opening tape for a potential opportunity elsewhere.

WR Terrace Marshall Jr.

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The fourth-year wideout followed up a productive (and pugnacious) practice against the Jets with a fine sample-sized outing. Marshall Jr. reeled in grabs of five and nine yards during the offense’s second possession, moving the chains on the latter.

Oh, and he didn’t show up the defense on his receptions either. So it may be safe to say that he played smart football this time around while vying for a regular-season spot in the team’s receivers room.

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Sanders led Carolina with 22 receiving yards on two catches. (Yes, the leading receiver accumulated just 22 yards.)

Anyway, the rookie looked solid on his pair of snags—utilizing his strong hands and, on his first, impressively absorbing a bit of contact from Jets cornerback Brandin Echols. This latest offering from Sanders is further proof that his development to this point is very encouraging.

DL T.J. Smith

Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Smith was one of two Panthers to record a sack in last week’s preseason opener. And on Saturday, he was one of one.

S Jammie Robinson

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson was all over the turf on Saturday night, racking up a game-high seven tackles. With the Panthers searching for depth in their secondary, especially after the recent injuries to cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Xavier Woods, last year’s fifth-rounder is making a case for himself.

S Demani Richardson

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The undrafted rookie continued his defense’s stingy vibe from the past week, recording the only takeaway of the contest. Richardson picked off an overthrow from Jets quarterback and 2024 UFL MVP Adrian Martinez and ran the interception back for a 29-yard return.

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Panthers’ 2023 rookie class ranked amongst worst in NFL

The Panthers didn’t get much of a return on their rookie class this past season.

Even with the No. 1 pick heading the pack, the Carolina Panthers’ rookie class fell far behind.

NFL.com analysts Eric Edholm and Chad Reuter recently ran back to the 2023 draft board and ranked last spring’s hauls. Down all the way at No. 28 are the Panthers, who received a ‘D+’ grade.

Edholm writes of first overall pick Bryce Young:

The prime disappointment was Young’s rookie season. The No. 1 overall pick started 16 games, and it was tough sledding for most of it. The environment seemed extremely unfavorable for learning on the fly, with the Panthers lacking elite weapons and cohesion on the offensive line. Carolina also fired head coach Frank Reich midseason, and it’s fair to wonder if turmoil on the coaching staff stunted Young’s growth. Tight end Hayden Hurst said after the season he thought Young had “too many voices in his head” during the trying season.

Young finished the campaign averaging 179.8 passing yards per contest with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. So, no, that’s not a lot of bang for Carolina’s big-time buck.

The Panthers didn’t get much of a return on the rest of the kids they drafted either. Wide receiver Jonathan Mingo amassed just 418 yards and no touchdowns, outside linebacker DJ Johnson had as many quarterback hits as your grandmother did, guard Chandler Zavala finished with the worst Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade (7.1) amongst all linemen with at least seven appearances and safety Jammie Robinson played in just 64 defensive snaps.

To add insult to insult, the Houston Texans—who picked behind the Panthers to start the festivities—ranked atop the list.

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Studs and duds from Panthers’ Week 8 win over Texans

Bryce Young and Frankie Luvu headlined the studs from the Panthers’ very first win of the 2023 campaign.

Who stepped up and who stepped off in the Carolina Panthers’ very first win of the 2023 campaign?

Here are the studs and duds from Week 8’s 15-13 victory over the Houston Texans: