Carolina Panthers: Biggest surprises as team cuts down roster

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Damiere Byrd #18 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a touchdown catch against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Damiere Byrd #18 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Brent Grimes #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Panthers keep six wide receivers

One of the players that seemed to be squarely on the bubble was wide receiver Damiere Byrd. The injuries along the offensive line would have seemed to make it tough to keep six wide receivers however the team was able to find a way.

There was two positions that the Panthers sacrificed some depth that made it possible to keep six wide receivers and that was at quarterback and running back. The team only kept two quarterbacks (Cam Newton and Taylor Heinicke) and three running backs (Christian McCaffrey, C.J. Anderson and Cameron Artis-Payne) which provided the team some flexibility.

The fact that the Panthers released Kenjon Barner, who was expected to contribute on special teams, also helped Byrd’s chances of making the roster. The talent Byrd has in the return game should be utilized by the coaching staff this season.

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