The Carolina Panthers began their preseason with a 30-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Friday in Charlotte. Despite the defeat, several young players made notable contributions.
Quarterback Bryce Young connected with Jalen Coker for a 5-yard touchdown pass during a scramble drill. This marked Coker’s second preseason touchdown, following his score against the Bills last year. Young also completed a 30-yard pass to rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, which was McMillan’s first NFL catch. McMillan led the team in receiving yards with two receptions for 43 yards.
Jalen Coker finished with two catches for 17 yards and was the only receiver to record a touchdown. Rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. had four receptions, totaling 15 yards, leading all receivers in catches.
Young ended his day completing four of six passes for 58 yards and one touchdown over two drives. Backup quarterback Andy Dalton went 13-of-19 for 101 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. Jack Plummer contributed by completing six of ten passes for 79 yards.
Tight end James Mitchell added three catches on four targets, gaining 25 yards.
On defense, cornerback Michael Reid led the team with five tackles, including four solo stops. Outside linebacker DJ Johnson and rookie safety Lathan Ransom each recorded four tackles. Rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton registered two tackles—both for losses—and added a sack.
Thomas Incoom notched a sack as well and led special teams with three tackles. Safety Demani Richardson posted three tackles (one for loss), a quarterback hurry, and secured a sack on a blitz.
Rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald converted his first NFL field goal attempt from 32 yards out in the fourth quarter. Punter Sam Martin averaged 50.7 yards per punt across seven attempts, placing three inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
In terms of snap counts, injuries forced some regulars such as Yosh Nijman, Brady Christensen, Cade Mays, Brandon Walton, and Ja’Tyre Carter into extended action on offense—each playing more than half of available snaps. Wide receiver Jalen Coker also exceeded the fifty percent snap threshold as coaches aimed to give him additional opportunities.
Tetairoa McMillan received more playing time with backup Andy Dalton than starter Bryce Young—a move not typical for high draft picks but intended to increase his experience level early in preseason play.
Running back Rico Dowdle logged fourteen snaps compared to starting running back Chuba Hubbard’s six as coaches evaluated depth at that position.
Several young reserves saw significant defensive action: rookie inside linebacker Bam Martin-Scott led all defenders with thirty-five snaps; Thomas Incoom followed closely at thirty-four; Corey Thornton played thirty-three snaps. These players are under consideration as roster cuts approach.
Third-round pick Princely Umanmielen played twenty-three snaps while second-rounder Nic Scourton participated in sixteen as both rookies were worked deeper into game situations along the defensive front.
Defensive lineman Bobby Brown III started and took twenty-one snaps—more than Tershawn Wharton (eleven) or A’Shawn Robinson (nine). English exchange student Mapalo Mwansa saw playing time after moving from edge rusher to interior defensive line due to size considerations; he continues adjusting after recently taking up football through the International Player Pathway program.
Special teams roles remain open as competition continues through camp weeks ahead. Rookies Isaac Gifford and Jack Henderson each played seventeen special teams snaps alongside Jon Rhattigan (thirteen), Brycen Tremayne (twelve), Bam Martin-Scott (eleven), Trevian Thomas (eleven), Thomas Incoom (ten), and Krys Barnes (ten).
Kicking duties were split between rookie Ryan Fitzgerald—who made his lone field goal attempt—and Matthew Wright who converted an extra point over five total kicking plays during the game.
“The push to get wide receiver Jalen Coker more work is real, as he played more snaps than any receiver on the roster, also topping the 50 percent barrier.”
“Speaking of wideouts, many times a top-10 pick will only play with the ones, but Tetairoa McMillan actually got more work with Andy Dalton and the second team than he did Bryce Young and the ones.”
“They have some young reserve players they’re clearly trying to get a longer look at. Rookie inside linebacker Bam Martin-Scott led the way with 35 snaps on defense, followed by Thomas Incoom (34) and Corey Thornton (33). All three could factor in the plans when it’s time to cut to 53.”
“English exchange student Mapalo Mwansa got some work on defense. He initially tried out as a pass-rusher at the IPP academy, but his lack of size necessitated his move inside. His speed is elite at his position, but he’s been playing football for months against guys who have been doing it for years.”
“The search continues, and will continue for weeks.”
