CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jaden Crumedy swiped and whiffed on an open-field opportunity to sack a scrambling Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders during the teams’ NFL preseason opener Aug. 8. The Carolina Panthers’ reserve defensive end experienced a similar fate during last Saturday’s outing against the Houston Texans.
Still, Crumedy was part of the crew that drew coach Dave Canales’ attention, labeling him as one of the “studs” carrying the depleted defensive line through the exhibition season. The Panthers host the Pittsburgh Steelers in the preseason finale Thursday at Bank of America Stadium.
With starters Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III and A’Shawn Robinson among the regulars not expected to dress and LaBryan Ray (ankle) listed as questionable, Canales again will rely on the roster’s fringe linemen to get them to the regular season.
“Definitely, right now, at this stage of camp, (the defensive line’s depth) is concerning,” Canales said after Monday’s practice. “We had a couple of studs who carried us through.”
Included with Crumedy, the second-year coach said he expected Sam Roberts, Jared Harrison-Hunte and Shy Tuttle to play a high volume against the Steelers.
“They played a lot of snaps for us the last game (against the Texans) to get us through it,” Canales said. “I love that about the guys.”
After starting 0-2, Canales didn’t love the results. The defense, coming off a season in which it yielded a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game, allowed the Browns and Texans to average 3.9 yards per attempt.
“These guys are going to have to carry us again this week,” Canales said.
#Panthers ’ Jaden Crumedy nearly registered a sack during the first 2 #NFL preseason outings. Will the reserve DE execute a sack against the #Steelers Thursday night? … pic.twitter.com/SZpV0V9GQT
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 20, 2025
Can Panthers Discover Offensive Rhythm?
The Panthers’ offense has not shown much during their opening two preseason outings, producing just 10 total points. With starting quarterback Bryce Young and top backup Andy Dalton not expected to play against the Steelers, Canales will turn to third-string Jack Plummer and newly signed Bryce Perkins.
Can they provide a lift to a stagnant offense that has not scored a touchdown since Young directed an effective, nine-play, 73-yard drive against the Browns? It was their second series.
The Panthers managed just 164 yards on 46 plays against the Texans, producing just one field goal.
Second-year wide receiver Jalen Coker, who scored the team’s only preseason touchdown, said after Tuesday’s heated training camp practice that he expects the offensive unit to begin discovering a rhythm.
“I think we’re going to play our brand of football,” Coker said. “We’re going to have Jack out there and me and the receivers are going to have to make plays when they come to us. It starts with running the ball.”
With #Panthers No.1 QB Bryce Young sitting Thursday night, can No. 3 Jack Plummer (16) and new No. 4 Bryce Perkins (10) pick up the struggling offense in #NFL preseason finale vs visiting #Steelers ? … pic.twitter.com/KvSkN9M5Kx
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 19, 2025
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