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USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Biggest takeaways from the Panthers' first depth chart of 2025
The Carolina Panthers served up a little treat before bed on Tuesday night, as they officially put out their first unofficial depth chart of 2025. And, as they often do, the initial release had a few intriguing takeaways. Here are the biggest placements of note from Carolina's opening depth chart of the summer . . . Running back (third string) Backing up starting rusher Chuba Hubbard and second-stringer Rico Dowdle is rookie Trevor Etienne, the first of two fourth-round picks from the spring. This may not come as much of a surprise, especially given where the front office drafted him, but that means Etienne currently has the edge over veteran Raheem Blackshear—who's served as a featured special teamer. Blackshear has been Carolina's primary kick returner in each of the past three seasons. So if Etienne (or someone else) can prove that they can handle those duties, Blackshear may not have a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Luckily for Blackshear, he's listed as the first-string kick and punt returner—at least for now. Center (first string) Austin Corbett might have the advantage in what is perhaps the biggest battle of training camp. He's noted as the starting center ahead of Cade Mays, who gave a fine account of himself at the position over eight of the Panthers' last nine games in 2024. The Panthers have alternated the two hog mollies with the first team thus far. Safety (first string) The favorites to earn the job as Tre'von Moehrig's running mate at the top of the defense have been second-year safety Demani Richardson and rookie Lathan Ransom, the second of the team's two 2025 fourth-rounders. Heck, Ransom had himself quite the day at practice just hours before this depth chart was issued. But listed next to Moehrig as a first-string safety was seventh-year veteran Nick Scott. Scott, who returned on a one-year deal in free agency, started four games in Carolina's secondary in 2024. Despite the assumption that he'd be back mainly as a special teamer, the 30-year-old is penciled in ahead of the youngsters—who are down as the two second-stringers. Kicker The kicking competition also has a veteran leading a youngster, as journeyman Matthew Wright has been placed above undrafted rookie Ryan Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has struggled over the past few days, going one-of-three on his field goal tries at Fan Fest and one-of-five on the skinny posts on Tuesday. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
USA Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Panthers training camp preview: Can Trevor Etienne find himself a role in the RB room?
With the Carolina Panthers set to report to training camp this week, it's time to take a look at the lay of the land. Which players are sure to make it through the summer and onto the team's initial 53-man roster? Are there any wild-card candidates who can leave a lasting impression in the coming weeks? And which battles are worth keeping an eye on? Here is our training camp preview for the Panthers' running back position: Roster locks The Chu-Chu Train arrived in 2024. Hubbard rushed for a career-high 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, and even earned a sweet four-year, $33.2 million contract extension in the process. Dowdle, perhaps one of the slickest steals from this year's free-agent market, returned home on a one-year, $6.2 million deal. The Asheville, N.C. native is also coming off a career campaign (1,079 rushing yards) and will team up with Hubbard to give the Panthers a bruising one-two punch out of the backfield. Likely to make it Etienne was selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. The 5-foot-9, 198-pounder is a smooth runner who has some extra chops as a pass catcher and a returner. Over his three-year collegiate career, which was split between Florida (2022 to 2023) and Georgia (2024), Etienne rushed for 23 touchdowns and 5.6 yards per attempt. He also notched 62 receptions and fielded 26 kickoffs and two punts. On the bubble The Panthers brought Blackshear back on a one-year pact. He's been the team's primary punt returner over the last three seasons. Bailey latched on to the roster as a practice-squad signing in early December of 2024. He was kept on a reserve/future contract in January. Lynch-Adams signed as an undrafted free agent this past spring. He ran for 649 yards and a pair of scores at Michigan State in 2024. Battle to watch Etienne and Blackshear possess similar skill sets, and could be fighting one another for the No. 3 spot behind Hubbard and Dowdle. The former has the advantage as a pure rusher while the latter boasts a solid track record as a special teamer. If Etienne (or another player on the roster) can wrestle away the punt return duties from Blackshear, then the rookie will likely come out on top. Potential sleeper Lynch-Adams is built differently from the other non-locks at the position. Not as compact as Etienne, Blackshear and Bailey, the rocked-up 5-foot-10, 215-pounder brings a bit of size—and some surprising explosiveness—to the table. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Projecting the Panthers' initial 53-man roster following 2025's offseason workout program
As they continue to enjoy the early stages of their summer break, the Carolina Panthers are currently carrying 89 players on their active roster. (And as soon as they officially sign 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton, they'll be at the league maximum of 90.) But by the time September comes around, that number will be chopped down quite significantly. So, with this year's offseason program now behind us, let's take a crack at predicting the Panthers' initial 53-man roster for the upcoming campaign. Italics = projected starters * = projected free-agent signing Quarterbacks (2) Carolina carried only Young and Dalton into Week 1 last year. Expect the same, with Jack Plummer and undrafted rookie Ethan Garbers as practice-squad candidates. Running backs (4) Etienne, the team's fourth-round pick, could bounce Blackshear off the roster. But Blackshear's extensive experience on special teams, a strength head coach Dave Canales very much covets, keeps him around. Wide receivers (6) While making the roster would complete a feel-good comeback story, Renfrow's skill set is a bit redundant with Thielen and Coker already occupying the work from the slot. The former Pro Bowler just misses the cut. Tight ends (3) After undergoing back surgery in May, first-stringer Tommy Tremble could start the season on the physically unable to perform list. If he's shelved to begin the year, the Panthers might want to look at bringing back Matthews—a well-respected member of the 2024 roster who, like Blackshear, holds extra value as a special teamer. Offensive linemen (9) The biggest battle at training camp should be the one at center, where Corbett will try to take the reins back from Mays. He gets the nod, at least for now, given his status as one of the offense's leaders. Defensive linemen (7) If the fifth-rounder Jackson can make enough of an impression as a backup nose tackle, Tuttle's spot could be in jeopardy. Outside linebackers (5) A pair of former Minnesota Vikings, Wonnum and Jones, are likely to head the charge off the edge in 2025—with Scourton and Umanmielen waiting in the wings. Inside linebackers (4) General manager and former linebacker Dan Morgan is probably hoping that Wallace, last year's third-round pick, solidifies himself as a starter this summer. He'll have to stave off Rozeboom, who led the Los Angeles Rams with 135 combined tackles in 2024. Cornerbacks (5) Devonshire will be worth a watch at camp. The long-limbed 5-foot-11, 186-pounder has the chops to play from the slot, possibly as a competitor to Smith-Wade, and on the outside. Safety (5) Ransom and Richardson may have their early beats on the starting job alongside Moehrig, but defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero prefers to leave his unit to experienced vets. Perhaps Carolina can land the 26-year-old Blackmon on a mutually-beneficial prove-it deal. Specialists (3) If there's a lead to be had in the kicking competition right now, it's in the hands (or foot) of the Fitzgerald—who was sharp at mandatory minicamp. Veteran journeyman Matthew Wright was not as impressive last week. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ohio lawmakers introduce bill that would allow counties to test gas station fuel quality
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – If an Ohio bill is signed into law, local counties may begin testing the quality of motor fuel at gas stations. Senate Bill 80, sponsored by Sens. Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati) and Willis Blackshear Jr. (D-Dayton), would enable county auditors to implement programs for testing the quality of motor fuel at gas stations. The legislation would permit inspectors to test for octane levels, as well as sediment and water in fuel. 'This bill represents an essential step toward protecting Ohio's consumers, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring the integrity of the motor fuels used by our residents every day,' Ingram said at an introductory hearing for the bill in February. While Ohio law already presents the opportunity for the state Director of Agriculture to establish a statewide motor fuel quality testing program, one has not yet been created. Ohio is one of only three states that does not have a statewide program for fuel quality testing, according to the lawmakers. In other states, inspections are typically conducted annually, while some opt to test whenever there are customer complaints. Currently, Ohio law does not allow for a quality testing program at the county level. County auditors have inspectors who visit gas stations to test for the quantity of fuel, but not quality. Low-quality fuel can lead to engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency and increased air pollution, Ingram said. Repairs needed after fueling with contaminated gas can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the damage. 'When consumers are putting gas into their car, they want to be assured that the product they are putting into their vehicle is safe, and that they are not being 'sold short,'' Blackshear said at the February hearing. 'By allowing our county auditors to implement this program they can give local consumers an enhanced peace of mind knowing that the fuel they are using has been checked and is accurate.' The bill would require fuel inspectors to relay data collected from testing programs to the Director of Agriculture, who would then compile that information and make it accessible to the public online. It would also allow each county auditor to make their own decision on if implementing a program is feasible, Blackshear said. Multiple similar bills have been introduced in past general assemblies, but have not made it through a legislative session. The most recent was introduced by Ingram in May 2024, which did not progress to the point of receiving a hearing. Currently, only Summit County operates a motor fuel quality testing program in Ohio, as it is a charter county and has certain home rule powers most other counties do not. Cuyahoga is the only other charter county in Ohio. SB 80 was assigned to the Senate's Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, where it awaits proponent and opponent testimony. Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) is cosponsoring the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ohio bill would create county-overseen fuel testing programs to protect against bad gas
Apr. 24—Ohio is among three states in the nation that don't have fuel quality testing programs, and one Dayton lawmaker said such a program would protect consumers and businesses alike. "Without regular testing, there is no way of knowing if fuel Ohioans buy contains water, sediments or other contaminants that can cause damage to their car," said state Sen. Willis Blackshear Jr. "In this economy, the last thing people want to be focused on is costly car repairs. Ohioans have the right to know what they're putting into their cars." Blackshear, D-Dayton, is one of Senate Bill 80's sponsors. The bill would authorize county auditors to implement a motor fuel quality testing program. It also would require gas station owners and other fuel retail dealers to allow fuel inspectors to perform various tests on motor fuel pumps and storage tanks. "This legislation is a low-cost way to keep drivers safe. Fuel quality testing should be a no-brainer," Blackshear said. The legislation revives past bipartisan efforts that fizzled out in the Ohio House. Blackshear joined Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith during a Wednesday press conference. Keith said that just last week, his office received complaints from customers at gas stations in West Carrollton and Farmersville. One customer fueled their car and only traveled a mile down the road before breaking down. An inspector from the auditor's office found water 10 inches deep in an underground gasoline tank at one of the gas stations. Since then, that station has shut down the affected pumps. Keith said that fuel testing protects the consumers, but also businesses — aside from needing to pay for the repair costs of impacted customers, shutting down fuel pumps for a week limits revenue. In the past year, tainted fuel has plagued motorists in Hamilton, Lucas, Lorain and Brown counties. Repairs needed after fueling up with contaminated gas can be costly, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The bill would allow inspectors to test motor fuel quality for octane level, sediment and water in the fuel. County auditors have weights and measures inspectors who visit gas stations to test the quantity of fuel. However, they do not have the authority to test the quality of that fuel. Keith said that because the same inspectors could draw samples to test fuel quality, the cost of implementing a statewide fuel quality program in this manner would be minimal. Keith said consumers who believe they have been sold bad gasoline should contact the gas station and report the incident at or by calling his office's consumer protection hotline at 937-225-6309.
