Preview: Indianapolis Colts at Carolina Panthers (Preseason)

Saturday night the Carolina Panthers will open their preseason schedule against the Indianapolis Colts in Charlotte, NC at Bank of America Stadium.

While it will have no implications on the Panthers' season, it will be a meaningful game in its own light. 

Panthers starting quarterback Jake Delhomme will play in a game for the first time since injuring his arm in the third game of the season last year.

It will also be fans' first chance to see the results of training camp thus far. 

The starters will likely play for only one drive.  But that drive will be a great chance to see all the changes and improvements the Panthers made in the offseason. 

There are many players to watch for.

First round pick Jonathan Stewart has been tearing it up in camp.  But he probably won't play because he's been nursing a toe injury all camp. 

It will be interesting to see how the offensive line does.  They have had some time to gel, but not much.  This game will be an opportunity for fans to see how the offensive line is coming along.

Safety Charles Godfrey has really caught the attention of the coaches—and even star wideout Steve Smith.  He won't play long because he's projected to start at free safety, but he will be fun to watch while he's in.

I expect backup quarterbacks Matt Moore and Brett Basanez to split snaps in the first half after Delhomme leaves the game, but you can also count on fourth-string quarterback Lester Ricard to get a lot of snaps. 

Also look for third-string offseason free agent acquisition LaBrandon Toefield to get a lot of playing time. 

Free agent pickup Jason Carter will see a lot of the field, too.  Carter has had an exceptional camp, and the Panthers coaching staff is eager to see what he can do in a real game.  So am I.

Another receiver in the spotlight is second-year player Dwayne Jarrett.  Jarrett was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and he bombed last year.  He played in only seven games (he didn't start) and made seven catches for 73 yards.  But most of 2007 was an enigma when it came to Jarrett; he wasn't playing and no one outside the Panthers organization knew why.  I'm guessing it was a disciplinary issue, but your guess is as good as mine.     

Safety Terrence Holt, receiver Torry's brother, should get some snaps in, too.  He was signed in the offseason and the Panther need to get some idea of what he can do.

Rookie linebacker Dan Connor will get a lot of reps because the team is anxious to see how good he is in real action.  Connor was a third round pick in this year's draft out of "Linebacker U", Penn State. 

Lastly, Ricardo Colclough will get a nice chunk of playing time, too.  He was a free agent signing this offseason, and he is projected to back up Chris Gamble at cornerback.  

Receiver DJ Hackett (foot), linebacker Jon Beason (ankle), cornerback Chris Gamble, safety Chris Harris, and tight end Dante Rosario all have minor injuries and could miss the game.  They are currently game-time decisions.

On a side note, the Colts player to watch for is running back Mike Hart.  He played well against the Redskins in the Hall of Fame game last weekend, and if he can keep it up he'll have a spot waiting for him on the final roster. 

Quarterback Peyton Manning, safety Bob Sanders, and defensive end Dwight Freeney are scratched for the game.           

Above all, this game will be a chance to see what the young, unproven players are made of.