After a thrilling victory in last week's Hall of Fame game, the Carolina Panthers weren't nearly as successful in their second preseason contest on Saturday. The opening of the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. saw the Buffalo Bills dominate their way to a 29-14 win.
The good news is that wins and losses don't count for anything during the preseason. This time of year is all about getting into a rhythm, and evaluating rookies and players on the roster bubble.
Here are a few players who distinguished themselves in a good way this afternoon for the Panthers . . .
WR Ja’seem Reed
For the second straight outing, Reed got the Panthers on the board with their first touchdown. This week, it was a 6-yard slant into the end zone, but that wasn’t Reed’s only reception.
He finished the game having caught all three of his targets for 17 yards, plus the score.
OLB Princely Umanmielen
Starting outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips recorded a sack and a hurry on the defense's first drive. But the Panthers’ $120 million man wouldn't do it without some help.
While he wasn’t able to notch a sack of his own, Umanmielen was getting consistent pressure on Bills quarterback Josh Allen early on. Umanmielen totaled three pressures and two quarterback hits.
OLB Cam Gill
Gill also flashed off the edge. He ended with a sack and a pair of quarterback hits.
The 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year might be able to crack the roster as a pass rusher given Carolina's questionable depth at the position.
S Zakee Wheatley
Wheatley led the Panthers with eight tackles in the Hall of Fame Game. He topped the box score again—this time, with a team-leading seven tackles.
As he did at Penn State, the 2026 fifth-round pick is showing that he can cover a ton of ground using his speed and athleticism.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 Panthers who improved their stock in preseason loss to Bills