Panthers Preseason: Starting lineup vs. Colts heavy on rookies

When Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule noted that his starters would not be a ‘go’ for the team’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, the question became, “Then who is?”

Here’s the answer.

The Panthers released their starting lineup for the exhibition tilt about an hour ahead of kickoff. And, as promised, no usual starters. There are though, plenty of young, noteworthy names on the slate.

Offense:

QB P.J. Walker
RB Chuba Hubbard
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
WR Brandon Zylstra
TE Tommy Tremble
TE Colin Thompson
LT Trent Scott
LG Matt Kaskey
C Sam Tecklenburg
RG Deonte Brown
RT Brady Christensen

Defense:

DE Marquis Haynes
DE Yetur Gross-Matos
DT Daviyon Nixon
DT Bravvion Roy
WLB Jonathan Celestin
MLB Josh Bynes
SLB Frankie Luvu
CB Rashaan Melvin
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
SS Sean Chandler
FS Sam Franklin

Six of the 22 starters listed are rookies. That group includes Hubbard, Marshall Jr., Tremble, Brown, Christensen and Nixon.

The preseason is, perhaps above all else, a time for young players to learn and leave a lasting impression. There’s no doubt these first-year cubs, along with the veterans lining up beside them, will have their chances to do so this afternoon.