CHARLOTTE — The Panthers fell 19-10 to the Steelers in the preseason finale Thursday night.

But considering who was sent out to play, that's not necessarily indicative of a lot.

The Panthers didn't play any of their starters and were looking at back-of-the-roster options and practice-squad possibilities, heading into next week's cuts to 53. A day later, they can add a 16-man practice squad (plus an international exemption).

The Panthers got a touchdown from tight end James Mitchell, who got to celebrate with a group of youth players who were huddled near the corner of the end zone, the kind of wholesome content the preseason is great for.

Now, they'll move on to the toughest part of the preseason, when they have to reduce the roster.

GM Dan Morgan always looking at options

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan dropped into the Panthers Television Network booth in the third quarter, and discussed how things could be different this year at final cuts compared to last season.

In 2024, the Panthers had the first spot in waiver order and claimed six players who were cut by other teams at cuts to 53. Three of them — cornerback Shemar Bartholomew, linebacker/special teamer Jon Rhattigan, and offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston remain on the roster. Those moves were by necessity, as they needed depth at so many spots.

After another aggressive offseason, Morgan doesn't think that will be the case this year.

"I think last year compared to this year, we were looking for like starters at the waiver wire and like depth guys that were going to play an important role," Morgan said. "This year, we don't feel so much that way. We feel good about our roster; we just feel good about the roster as a whole that we're starting to gain some depth. We're starting to get the kind of players that we want to get here.

"But to your point, if we want to, since we're eighth in the order (this year), if we need to, we can swap late round picks if we really like a guy just to kind of get ahead of it. So there are ways to kind of get ahead of it. We're always looking into things. We're always going to be creative and try to do things to make this roster a better roster."

Some unconventional lineups

With 33 players — including all the starters and a number of key backups — held out Thursday, they ran out some unusual lineups to start the game.

Jack Plummer started at quarterback, protected by left tackle Yosh Nijman, left guard Chandler Zavala, center Jarrett Kingston, right guard Ja'Tyre Carter, and right tackle Brady Christensen. They opened the game with running back Trevor Etienne, tight ends James Mitchell and Dominique Dafney, and wide receivers David Moore and Jalen Coker on the field.

Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow came on as they went three-wide on the second play.

On defense, they opened the game in nickel, with linemen Shy Tuttle and Jaden Crumedy flanked by outside linebackers Princely Umanmielen and Thomas Incoom. Claudin Cherelus and Krys Barnes started at linebacker, with safeties Lathan Ransom and Demani Richardson. Akayleb Evans and Shemar Bartholomew started as outside corners, with Corey Thornton working out of the slot.

Lathan Ransom makes a play

There's a safety job to be won, and Ransom is doing his part to try to win it.

The rookie safety had an interception in the first half, doing his best to make a name for himself.

The Panthers didn't play veterans Tre'von Moehrig and Nick Scott.

Ransom was their fourth-round pick, but they've kept Scott in the starting lineup through the early part of the preseason.

Injury updates

Umanmielen left the game in the first half with a shoulder injury and did not return.

His missing time would be unfortunate, especially with fellow rookie Nic Scourton out with a collapsed lung.

The Panthers aren't particularly deep there behind starters Patrick Jones II and D.J. Wonnum.

They also lost backup guard Carter in the first half to an ankle injury. He started the preseason opener at left guard.

Running back Raheem Blackshear left with an ankle injury, having to be helped off the field following the James Mitchell touchdown reception in the second quarter.