The Carolina Panthers will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday night at Heinz Field to close out the preseason for both teams and we’ll get a chance to see a few familiar faces on their offensive side of the football in this game.
Jerricho Cotchery – After spending the last three seasons in Pittsburgh with the Steelers, Cotchery decided to sign with the Panthers during the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The veteran is helping to mentor the Panthers young group of wide receivers and that includes rookie Kelvin Benjamin. So far it looks like Cotchery has done a good job in that department, however, he has only caught one of the two passes thrown his way so far during the preseason. One would think he will get a few more opportunities Thursday night against his former team.
Fernando Velasco – Velasco filled in admirably last season at center after starter Maurkice Pouncey went down with a knee injury in season opener. If not for a torn Achilles suffered late last season, Velasco might very well have been re-signed during the offseason. He’s a healthy Panther now and has logged time at center and guard so far during the preseason. Will he get a chance to face Steelers rookie nose tackle Daniel McCullers in this game? If so, that should be a fun battle to watch.
Chris Scott – Remember Scott? He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was a train wreck in Pittsburgh but seems to have found a home with the Panthers. He is scheduled to start at right guard Thursday night with Trai Turner expected to miss the game with an injury. He’s yet to give up a sack during the preseason.
