3 Panthers players who can prove themselves against the New York Jets

It is easy to overlook the preseason.

However, it is a place where little-known, or little thought about, players can force their way onto a team's final roster.

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a disastrous 17-3 loss to the New England Patriots in preseason Week 1. Under new head coach Dave Canales, the offense still had familiar issues: A lack of pop and downfield production. Still, heading into Saturday's matchup with the New York Jets, the Panthers are looking to correct the ship.

Three players stand out when thinking about players worth keeping an eye on in these joint practices and heading into Week 2 preseason football.

Running back Mike Boone

Though the Panthers already have Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders, depth at running back is still an interesting question.

Jonathon Brooks remains hurt . In late July, Rashaad Penny retired . Who is left? A few names are on that list, but none stand out like Mike Boone.

Boone has a chance to follow up a solid preseason Week 1 with a quality week of joint practices and a solid game against the Jets, should Canales play him.

He recently earned praise from Canales, who has liked what he has seen thus far.

“Offensively, it was great to see Mike Boone have a couple of nice runs and just see that he’s a guy that we can trust as we put our whole thing together," Canales said of his play against the Patriots.

In preseason Week 2, Boone has to follow up on that performance.

Offensive tackle Ricky Lee

The offensive line is still far from perfect. And offensive tackle Ricky Lee isn't a fix. But he brings depth.

Lee earned praise from Canales for how he played against the Patriots. Canales admitted it was a difficult game to evaluate due to so little success in the passing game. But the few plays Canales saw from Lee, he liked. That should say something.

"[Ricky Lee ] really had a fantastic preseason game," Canales said. "I loved seeing him out there. I think he’s been battling this camp. He gets to go against Jadeveon Clowney at times to challenge him. But he looked like he really settled in that game and he played pretty good. He’s still got a lot to improve, but he definitely took a step in the right direction.”

Lee looks primed and ready to stake his claim as a piece of the Panthers' 2024 season on the offensive line.

Linebacker Eku Leota

Already Eku Leota stood in a good position to make a name for himself since training camp started. After one preseason game, he is working to make that a reality.

The linebacker made several high-energy plays against the Patriots. He stood out to Canales, who loved how hard he played.

Against the Jets, if he wants to make the team, he has to bring that same level of intensity each day.

"Eku Leota just played so hard and gave effort in all phases," Canales said. "I was excited to see that."