Latest mailbag how does rookie brandon wegher fit into panthers mix at running back

David NewtonAug 16, 2015, 11:30 AM ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- As often is the case in the preseason, those fighting to make the bottom of the roster get a lot of attention because they get a lot of playing time with the game on the line.

Undrafted rookie Brandon Wegher was one of those players for the Carolina Panthers in Friday night’s 25-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Wegher turned a short pass from third-string quarterback Joe Webb into a 42-yard touchdown, showcasing the speed that caught the eye of the Carolina coaches when evaluating the former Morningside College (Sioux City, Iowa) star.

He definitely caught the eye of a few of you, which brings us to the first question of my Panthers mailbag.

@DNewtonespn So is Wegher on the radar now? The backfield is pretty stacked but based on our past history.... #PanthersMailbag
— Scotty Parker (@scottyparker25) August 15, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: The Panthers really like Wegher, not only for his speed but for the way he hits the hole and blocks. He was a big-time player at Iowa before off-the-field problems sidetracked his road to the NFL. Here's a closer look at that from a story I wrote during offseason workouts. Here's the problem: The Panthers probably won't keep more than four running backs. Jonathan Stewart is a given, as is fifth-round draft pick Cameron Artis-Payne. Jordan Todman likely will make the roster as the kickoff returner unless somebody at another position proves to be better. Fozzy Whittaker currently is listed as the second-team back, though he did little against the Bills. So it could be a numbers game. I'm not sure the Panthers will be able to hide Wegher on the practice squad. He's likely to be picked up by a team looking to add depth. This one will be interesting to watch moving forward. Just don't get too carried away with one big play in the final minutes of a preseason game.

@DNewtonespn is the depth at DT & especially CB beginning to become a concern? #PanthersMailbag
— Chris Thomas (@cthomas_4) August 15, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: No big issue at corner. The depth at tackle isn't a huge concern now because the Panthers expect Star Lotulelei (foot) and Kawann Short (back) to be ready in time for the opener. They are key to the four-man rotation with Dwan Edwards and Colin Cole. Kyle Love also has looked good. That gives the Panthers five solid tackles if everyone is healthy. Health is the main concern. If the injuries to Lotulelei and/or Short become a long-term issue, the depth at tackle will be an issue as well. But for now, it's not a panic situation.

@DNewtonespn Think Webb still makes the team after tonight's showing?
— Jason Bargsley (@PantherFan8989) August 15, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: Joe Webb did a nice job in the final minutes. He showed poise, keeping the play alive for the touchdown and on the winning two-point conversion. Coach Ron Rivera said he'd like to keep three quarterbacks, and that's all good in theory. But what if the Panthers want to keep an extra back, such as Wegher? What if they need to keep an extra defensive tackle because Lotulelei or Short aren't ready to start the season? It's still a numbers game, and at that point, Webb could become expendable. That he's on all four special-teams units helps.

@DNewtonespn who's the odd man out right now at WR?
— Jason Murphy (@Jmurph336) August 15, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: Here are my top six: Kelvin Benjamin, Ted Ginn Jr., Devin Funchess, Corey Brown, Brenton Bersin and Jerricho Cotchery. That puts Jarrett Boykin on the outside looking in, even though he played well at times Friday. Perhaps Cotchery becomes expendable, though I just don't see it. Perhaps the Panthers keep seven receivers, as Rivera has suggested is possible.

@DNewtonespn looking through your tweets. How good did Benjamin look overall?
— Rich (@maletto2) August 15, 2015

@DNewtonESPN: Just as I've said throughout training camp,Benjamin looks tremendous. He's in better shape than he was as a rookie last year and he's running better routes. As you saw against Buffalo, he knows how to use his size (6-foot-5, 238) and make the tough catch in traffic over the middle. I'm looking for him to have a big year.

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Mailbag: How does rookie RB Brandon Wegher fit into Panthers' mix?