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The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 in the preseason after their 15-12 loss to the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.

And while the point production in the game was disappointing, the Panthers benched all of their starters on offense and defense, so the final score didn’t really matter. However, the individual performances of the players at the bottom of the roster will factor into the team’s decision-making ahead of the Aug. 27 cut-down deadline.

With training camp essentially complete, the preseason is the last real test for players on the roster, and those hoping to make the 53-man roster must capitalize on their remaining opportunities.

Just like in the season opener against New England, some players increased their value against the Jets. But there were also some disappointing performances from players who were looking to land bigger roles or jobs this summer.

Let’s take a look at who helped or hurt their reputation on Saturday against New York:

Stock up

DB Demani Richardson: The undrafted safety has made a name for himself over the past week. After a two-interception performance in practice on Monday, Richardson made the Panthers’ play on Saturday with a huge interception. Richardson intercepted a pass from the Jets’ fourth-string quarterback Adrian Martinez for a 28-yard gain. The defensive highlight led to a 34-yard field goal for Carolina in the third quarter, tying the game at 6-6. Richardson also finished the game with two tackles.

LB Claudin Cherelus: The second-year linebacker was all over the field on Saturday. He started at inside linebacker opposite third-round pick Trevin Wallace and made his presence felt on defense and special teams. Cherelus stopped a punt return and collected five tackles on defense. He is in position to claim the fourth spot at inside linebacker, in a battle with seventh-round pick Michael Barrett and 2023 holdovers Tae Davis and Chandler Wooten.

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: The fourth-round pick had a good night as a receiver and blocker. He made a great play in the first quarter on a catch-and-run pass for 14 yards. Sanders caught the pass completely free and then fought his way down the field for a first down. He also caught a pass for 8 yards later in the first half. It was a nice performance for a highly touted young player.

By TJ Smith: The veteran defender is having a strong summer. In the second quarter, he recorded his second sack in as many games. The tackle for loss gave the Jets a net loss of 15 yards. Later, Smith hit a ball in the air that was nearly intercepted by cornerback Chau Smith-Wade. Smith has been one of the big risers of training camp, and his preseason performance has only backed up his practice performance.

Inventory is decreasing

OT Ricky Lee: The second-year lineman had to line up at right tackle alongside Mason Brooks, who only arrived on Thursday as right guard. Lee took a sack in the second quarter, which was similar to his early performance in the season opener against New England. Lee was turned over by Jets pass rusher Will McDonald, who brought down Carolina QB Jack Plummer for a 5-yard loss. Lee nearly took another sack in the third quarter, but Plummer was able to break free of the defender’s grasp and tossed the ball to running back Dillon Johnson for a minimal gain in yardage.

QB Jack Plummer: The former Louisville quarterback hasn’t scored a touchdown in two preseason games. Despite completing 11 of 18 passes on Saturday, Plummer looked overwhelmed in the pocket all night. Yes, the offensive line was a mixed unit of lower-level talent, but Plummer was unable to do much with the ball when he got the chance. He finished the night with 42 passing yards. He was sacked once.

WR Michael Strachan: The practice squad holdover has become a forgotten man in the wide receiver rankings. With Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo playing consistently this summer, Strachan has faded into the background and done little to step up. He was penalized for offensive pass interference in the fourth quarter and held without a catch.