INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Panthers might not be playing their starters in Sunday's preseason opener against the Colts.
But considering some of the roster battles and issues they need to address, there are still plenty of reasons to watch.
The Panthers have many players who need to impress in these three preseason games, as they begin roster cuts next week.
They have to reduce the roster from 90 to 85 by Tuesday afternoon, so five of the guys who suit up for the game won't be around for next week's joint practices against the Ravens. That provides all the incentives they could possibly need.
Here are a few topics to keep an eye on as the game unfolds:
1. Can P.J. Walker take the lead for the backup quarterback job?
The team listed Walker and Will Grier as even for the second job on the depth chart released earlier this week, despite the fact Walker was the backup last year and got the start against the Lions when Teddy Bridgewater was injured.
Walker can be a dynamic player, and is willing to try to make big plays. The flip side of that is that he sometimes takes too many chances (hence the one touchdown and five interceptions last year).
Head coach Matt Rhule said he wasn't sure who would start next week's game, but he thought the two would each play about half the snaps against the Colts.
Grier's the more accurate quarterback but sometimes plays a little careful, so they'll want to see if he's willing to stand in the pocket and make throws downfield when things break down.
This job appears to be entirely up for grabs.
2. Who ends up returning kicks?
Rookie running back Chuba Hubbard took a kickoff to the end zone in joint workouts with the Colts Friday, showing the kind of top-end speed that made him a top-level youth sprinter in Canada.
A play later in that practice, wideout David Moore nearly matched him, pushed out just short of the end zone.
They have some other options, and they're still looking for someone to handle punt returns, but they'd like to have someone with some pop on special teams.
3. Who emerges in the hunt for offensive line depth?
There are still questions about the starting line, and which five guys make up that unit. Beyond that, the next group is playing for roster spots and places on the active list on gameday.
Trent Scott started four games at left tackle last year and played well, and Dennis Daley (who didn't make the trip for personal reasons) is still in the mix for a starting guard job, so they seem to have good chances to make the 53-man roster. Rookies Brady Christensen and Deonte Brown are also trying to create roles for themselves, and center Sam Tecklenburg got good reviews for his work with the starters against the Colts. Matt Kaskey has also worked with the ones at guard, and hasn't looked out of place.
Beyond those guys, tackle Greg Little's trying to win a roster spot, and the former second-rounder is running out of opportunities to prove himself.
4. Is there an inside linebacker they can trust?
The Panthers would love to have some depth at the position, but free-agent acquisition Denzel Perryman has barely practiced because of an injury. They brought in veteran Josh Bynes recently to provide cover, because they've had a hard time keeping guys on the field.
In addition to Perryman, Julian Stanford and Clay Johnston didn't make the trip because of injuries, leaving an odd lot of players to compete for a job. Rookie Paddy Fisher isn't particularly fast, but he's in the right place at the right times and has earned some notice in camp.
5. Will either of the long snappers stand out?
If you're a long snapper and you get noticed, it's probably bad news.
So veteran JJ Jansen and rookie Thomas Fletcher will do their best to stay under the radar against the Colts, as they compete for a single job.
Jansen's listed first on the depth chart, but drafting Fletcher in the sixth round suggests they're at least considering making a change.
Carolina is 5-1 against the Colts all-time, including a dramatic home overtime win in the rain in 2015.
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a pass for a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) and strong safety Mike Adams (29) defend during an NFL football game on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 in Charlotte, N.C. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Brad Nortman (8) holds as Graham Gano (9) kicks a field goal against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. The Panthers won in overtime 29-26. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck (12) scrambles away from Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short (99) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Charles Tillman (31) defends a pass to Indianapolis Colts' Donte Moncrief (10) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) celebrates a touchdown with teammates during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 in Charlotte, N.C. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) scores a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts free safety Dwight Lowery (33) defends during an NFL football game on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 in Charlotte, N.C. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) defends a pass to Indianapolis Colts' Ahmad Bradshaw (44) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Kuechly is expected to be back on the field for the start of training camp following offseason shoulder surgery. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, left, intercepts a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts' Coby Fleener, back, as Carolina Panthers' Charles Tillman, right, watches in overtime of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., early Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. The Panthers won 29-26 in overtime. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Teammates surround Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano (9) after his game-winning field goal in overtime of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Charlotte, N.C., early Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck (12) makes a pass against the Carolina Panthers' defense in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. The Panthers won in overtime 29-26. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 in Charlotte, N.C. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Josh Norman (24) tackles Indianapolis Colts' Frank Gore (23) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 27, 2011. The Panthers defeated the Colts 27-19. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) scrambles away from the Indianapolis Colts' defense in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 2, 2015. The Panthers won in overtime 29-26. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) leaps over Indianapolis Colts players during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Newton's spectacular season has earned him The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) races upfield on a 25-yard scoring run during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 27, 2011. The Panthers defeated the Colts 27-19. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) makes a leaping grap during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on November 27, 2011. The Panthers defeated the Colts 27-19. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) fumbles the ball while being hit by Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) during an NFL football game on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 in Charlotte, N.C. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, center, right, celebrates with running back DeAngelo Williams after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Curtis Painter (7) is hit by Carolina Panthers strong safety Charles Godfrey during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Painter fumbled on the play but the Colts recovered. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey leaps over Indianapolis Colts free safety Antoine Bethea during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts free safety Antoine Bethea, left, and cornerback Kevin Thomas, center, try to tackle Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) scores a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts strong safety David Caldwell, left, and free safety Antoine Bethea during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) throws a pass under pressure from Indianapolis Colts' Dwight Freeney (93) in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass during the Colts' 31-7 win over the Carolina Panthers in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' David Carr (8) throws a pass to Jeff King (87), left, during the fourth quarter of their 31-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) pulls away from Indianapolis Colts' Tim Jennings (23) in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' DeShaun Foster (26) runs past Indianapolis Colts players Antoine Bethea (41) and Bob Sanders (21) in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Indianapolis Colts' Reggie Wayne, left, pulls in a pass as Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall, right, defends in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers kicker John Kasay points to fans as he leaves the field after kicking a 43-yard field goal in overtime to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 23-20 in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2003. (AP Photo/Tom Strattman)
