With the Panthers starters getting the day off Saturday, the backups had their chance to show Head Coach John Fox and General Manager Marty Hurney why they should make the final roster.

Matt Moore looked pretty decent in three quarters of play, until he went down with a scary leg injury in the third quarter. Moore had an MRI and x-ray Friday, and thankfully everything came back negative, Moore is listed as day-to-day.  Whether or not it was Moore’s injury, or the fact that the Panthers just want four quarterbacks on the roster, the Panthers picked up Miami quarterback Josh McCown for an undisclosed draft choice.  Don’t think I like this trade though, because Moore appears to be healthy , but I guess Fox really wants to avoid what happened last season, and if things don’t work out this season, most likely it won’t be Fox who’s without another draft choice next April.

As for some of the backups that looked good, Decori Birminghamm looked good, gaining more yards than LaBrandon Toefield, but the majority of Toefield’s carries were against the Pittsburgh first string defense.  Dwayne Jarrett showed he is ready to start next week against San Diego, picking up 56 yards on six receptions, and if you need a starting fantasy receiver for week one, I would seriously consider Jarrett, who looks in line for a big game if he starts.  Daunte Rosario also had a good looking 21 yard catch from Matt Moore as well, and should see some action next week with the Panther’s deep threat, Steve Smith, out for the first two games.  Fullback Troy Flemming looked good as well, with two catches for 21 yards.

Today is the day for the backups, most will end up being cut, a few will be signed to the practice squad, and one or two may end up making the final roster.  No matter who it is, the Panthers are going to head out to San Diego next week, ready to take on the Chargers, and get back to the playoffs.

Tags: marty hurney, panthers, steelers