Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo has been working with the first-team offense ahead of first-round pick Xavier Legette throughout training camp. Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr. combined for three catches in Saturday's preseason loss to the New York Jets after each had a drop in the preseason opener, and it sounds like they'll be the more reliable bets for snaps in three-receiver sets with veterans Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen for quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers chose Legette with the final pick of Round 1 in this past spring's NFL Draft to augment their receiving corps, but the team may not thrust him into a featured role to begin Year 1. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues should consider Legette a dart-throw WR5/6 flier at the end of 12-team drafts this summer, but the 23-year-old wideout does have a chance to become Carolina's preferred deep threat at some stage of the 2024 season.

Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders caught both of his targets 22 yards in the team's loss to the New York Jets, leading the team in yards on the day. The former Texas Longhorn was picked up in the fourth round of this year's draft and stands a chance to take over as the TE1 in Carolina this upcoming season. Current depth charts slate him as the TE3 behind Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas, but he is a name to keep an eye on as he continues to be mixed into the offense. He'll look to climb further up the depth chart on Saturday when the Panthers take on the Bills in their final preseason game.

Carolina Panthers running back Dillon Johnson ran the ball 18 times for 83 yards and a touchdown in the team's loss to the New York Jets, leading all ball carriers in all three categories. Johnson also reeled in two catches for zero additional yards through the air. The former Washington Husky saw increased usage with Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, and Jonathan Brooks all inactive for Saturday's matchup. Johnson was picked up the Panthers earlier this offseason and will continue to fight for a role on the practice squad or 53-man roster.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jack Plummer completed 11 of his 18 passes for 42 yards in the team's loss to the New York Jets. Plummer served as the starting QB for Carolina, with Bryce Young and Andy Dalton inactive, indicating the rookie may have solidified the QB3 role for the Panthers this season. Plummer will look to hold onto the spot when the Bills take on the Panthers on Saturday for their final preseason game.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen won't suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the New York Jets. The Panthers plan to sit a majority of their starters during their second preseason contest. The 10-year wideout doesn't necessarily need preseason reps to get ready before Week 1. That being said, fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed if Thielen sits out the entire preseason. He's coming off an excellent first year in Carolina where he recorded over 100 receptions and 1,000-plus yards in 17 games. The expectation is that Thielen will once again be a focal point in the Panthers offense this upcoming season. In his absence, Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall figure to see a majority of the starting reps on Saturday.