Three Things to Watch For: Panthers vs. Lions

A few things to keep your eyes on in this week's preseason game.

Friday night, the Carolina Panthers will close out the preseason with a home game against the Detroit Lions at 8 p.m. EST. 

As always, here are your three things to watch for in this week's contest.

Matt Corral

This is the 2022 third-round draft picks' final audition ahead of cut day and it will almost certainly impact the team's decision on what to do with him as they piece together the 53-man roster. He had a rough outing in the preseason opener, but bounced back strong last week against the Giants, completing 9-of-13 passes for 71 yards while rushing for 13 yards on a scoring drive. 

Do we have an answer at right guard?

This competition has spilled over into the final preseason game despite head coach Frank Reich hoping for it to be settled after last week's game. Chandler Zavala and Nash Jensen should get a ton of reps as Cade Mays (questionable) deals with a neck injury. If the Panthers don't feel comfortable with the options they have, they may browse the waiver wire to see if there's a potential upgrade that comes open, although unlikely. My sense is the staff likes all three and would prefer to stay in house until Corbett returns.

Who takes over at defensive tackle?

Earlier this week, the Carolina Panthers surprisingly waived Marquan McCall after starting the team's first two preseason games. LaBryan Ray and Raequan Williams each made plays against the Giants and will now have an opportunity to earn more than just a roster spot. Could Nick Thurman show flashes too? Taylor Stallworth? Someone else? 

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