It's officially game week for the Carolina Panthers. Preseason, that is.
The Panthers finished up their second week of Training Camp and travel to Chicago to face the Bears on Thursday.
Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly won't be playing.
Here are five more notable players from the last seven days of practice.
There won't be any repeat players despite some of them still having good weeks.
Last week: Curtis Samuel, Brian Burns, Will Grier, Marquis Haynes and Ross Cockrell. (
Here)
1. Defensive Back Javien Elliott
Elliott has been the talk of Training Camp throughout the last week and looks like he can be the answer at nickel back.
Signed during the offseason after being released from Tampa Bay, Elliott had a handful of noteworthy plays this week that included an impressive interception on Kyle Allen during 7-on-7 drills Sunday.
“He’s a proven nickel in this league. He’s played nickel and has had some serious snaps," head coach Ron Rivera said. "I think the more and more comfortable he gets with what we do and how we do it, I think you’ll see his skillset show."
With the addition of safety Tre Boston this week, Carolina has options to replace Captain Munnerlyn and Mike Adams at nickel but through the first two weeks of camp, Elliott's NFL experience is proving that he is worthy of the job.
Corn Elder has also been a potential candidate at nickel back.
“He started five games last season at the nickel position…. He looks very good out there. And he’s learning," Rivera said. "You can see as he gets more and more comfortable with what we do, his confidence level is rising. A guy like that can really help you."
Panthers DB Javien Elliott, who picked off Cam Newton last season with Tampa, makes an exceptional play on the ball against the shifty slot specialist Jarius Wright. Great technique and timing. also had an interception today. Impressive work at nickel. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/Mpd1kgC8k3
— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace)
August 5, 2019 2. Offensive Tackle Dennis Daley
The rookie sixth-round pick has been all over the place on the team's offensive line.
Daley's natural position is at left tackle where he played at South Carolina.
Drafted for depth at a questionable left tackle position for the Panthers, Daley has taken reps on the first team throughout the week that including going up against Bryan Cox.
There were some mishaps but nothing you wouldn't expect from a rookie learning multiple plays.
"I'm actually learning the plays better by going through the positions," Daley said. "I feel like it's making me a better player."
3. Wide Receiver DJ Moore
Last week, Samuel was No. 1 on this list and now the second-year Moore makes his debut.
Expected to be the top receiver on the depth chart, Moore made some flashy catches this week to make the Panthers even more excited about the wideouts they'll have this season.
As of last week, offensive coordinator Norv Turner said there will likely be a lot of movement between the two receivers.
On Sunday, Moore had the play of the day with a beautiful deep-ball pass from Newton.
"They're electrifying. They both are waiting for big plays to happen," cornerback Donte Jackson said.
Soaring ... Flying ...Another BIG @idjmoore play -- pic.twitter.com/gcpr6IFWdQ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers)
August 4, 2019 4. Linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr.
Carter had the chance to see a lot of the first-team action this week with linebacker Luke Kuechly taking a lot of precautionary rest time.
The versatility and depth will be key for Carolina.
"We've started to address and make some adjustments during the offseason," defensive coordinator Eric Washington said recently on WFNZ. "We're anticipating big things."
Nice PBU by Jermaine Carter pic.twitter.com/9SJKRI8Glr
— The Panther Press (@ThePantherPR)
August 4, 2019 5. Defensive End Bruce Irvin
Irvin seems like he could be a very underrated signing this offseason despite being a former Pro Bowler.
Irvin has continued to rotate on the team's defensive line and seems to be bringing a valuable veteran presence.
After stating to
WFNZ last week that this Panthers defense has a 2013 "Seattle Vibe," Irvin could be a key difference-maker.
Irvin hasn't looked like a washed player and he's actually listed ahead of Brian Burns in the team's first unofficial depth chart at defensive end/linebacker.
"The one common thing that we have is that we all can run," Irvin said. "It's all about keeping guys fresh so once we get the rotation fresh it'll be scary."
Bruce Irvin was laughing back to the huddle after this fake spin move attempt on Williams. pic.twitter.com/JJ6s3ssMST
— Max Henson (@PanthersMax)
August 4, 2019