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The veteran linebacker arrived midway through training camp, jumping straight into the defense, and trying to prove his experience and ability to call the defense are worth keeping around.

The Panthers head coach had positive updates on his rookie pass-rushers, plus more from Friday's press conference following the close of the preseason.

The team now has 80 percent of the offensive line locked up for the next two seasons, and keeping Moton helps them build on what was a strength of the team last season.

A look at some of the key stats from the game, as well as the snap counts for the guys who suited up Thrusday night against Pittsburgh ...

James Mitchell was so open on the Panthers only touchdown Thursday night, a defender couldn't be seen on the screen during the replay. It was an exclamation point for the fourth-year tight end.

The rookie pass-rusher left with a shoulder injury, but said he was optimistic about his condition. And Dave Canales also offered good news on starting left guard Damien Lewis' condition.

Rookie running back Trevor Etienne got the start Thursday night. He used just three touches and two kick returns to make his case for being a bigger part of the Panthers' run game this season.

Rookie Ryan Fitzgerald did all the kicking in Thursday's preseason finale, but Dave Canales said no decision had been made between Fitzgerald and veteran Matthew Wright.

Plus, GM Dan Morgan hints at a different approach to the days before cuts to the 53-man roster, and more from Thursday's preseason finale.

The Panthers aren't playing most of their starters and regulars in the preseason finale, giving the guys fighting for roster spots extra chances for reps.