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6 Carolina Panthers players who improved their stock in preseason win
Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (26) reacts after a turnover against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter during a preseason game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Aug. 21.
NFL
Preseason is only the preseason. But for some players, it's a matter of life or death, at least when it comes to making a roster.
The Carolina Panthers' 34-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday night may have livened the cases for a number of individuals — whether they're fighting for a job or a spot on the Week 1 program.
Here are six players who improved their stock during the team's victorious stop at EverBank Stadium:
Trevor Etienne, running back
The preseason has been a mostly quiet affair for the Panthers' running backs, atleast outside of garbage time. They finally got an exception to the rule Friday, with second-year back Trevor Etienne.
Etienne flashed as a returner, picking up 15 yards on a punt and 34 on a kickoff. He was also efficient on the ground, totaling 24 yards on five carries in the first half.
A.J. Dillon, running back
Dillon continues to bring an element of power that no other running back on the depth chart possesses. The 28-year-old veteran rushed for 16 tough yards and a touchdown on five carries, and also pushed through on an 11-yard reception.
If the Panthers decide to keep three running backs, Etienne and his special teams prowess could trump Dillon for the spot under Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks.
But if Carolina is intrigued by Dillon's short-yardage skills, then they may have to increase the capacity of their backfield.
Jimmy Horn Jr., running back
The fan favorite Horn did himself some big favors in his battle at the backend of the wideout room.
He showed off his versatility, starting with a 29-yard kickoff return. Later, he broke off a huge run for 39 yards and added a 15-yard reception.
John Metchie III, wide receiver
In the third quarter, Carolina's passing offense became a two-man show — starring backup quarterback Kenny Pickett and Metchie. Pickett and Metchie strolled down the field against the Jaguars multiple times, with Metchie catching six of seven targets for a gamehigh 77 receiving yards.
Patrick Jones II, outside linebacker
We didn't get to see much of Jones in 2025, as a back injury limited him to just four games in his first season with the Panthers.
But with fellow outside linebacker Nic Scourton out for the year with a torn ACL, we may see plenty of Jones in the starting lineup here in 2026. He created a bit of havoc, even without Jaelan Phillips by his side, tallying a sack of Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens.
Chau Smith-Wade, corner back
Third-year nickel corner Chau Smith-Wade had a pretty brutal posterization moment early in the second quarter at the hands of running back Ameer Ambdullah, who juked him badly on his way to a 23-yard gain. However, he more than made up for it later on, getting a jump on a pass from quarterback Carter Bradley en route to an impressive interception.
Smith-Wade remains in the thick of a competition with Corey Thornton for the starting slot duties. His playmaking ability, as exhibited on that pick, will keep him under serious consideration.
