Gaining valuable reps at training camp is important. Joint practices even more so. But nothing will benefit the Carolina Panthers' rookie class more than extended involvement in the preseason.
Head coach Dave Canales is getting everyone valuable game time. The starters played two series against the Cleveland Browns. After that, those lower down the depth chart took center stage in pursuit of staking a claim to make the 53-man roster.
Some caught the eye more than others. But for one rookie who much was expected, his preseason debut represented a brutal reality check of how fine the margins are in the NFL.