The Carolina Panthers will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night for the last preseason game of the year. Since the Panthers have long tried to pattern themselves after the Steelers this is appropriate. Not to mention that Steelers fans at Bank of America Stadium may outnumber those of the Panthers.

Traditionally the fourth preseason game is one of rest for the starters of most NFL teams. The starting units may play a series or two just so the fans can see them. But the game is usually one of rest for the starters to avoid injury. This also allows players who won’t make their team to showcase their ability to other teams who may pick them up.

So don’t expect to see much of Cam Newton against the Steelers in the last preseason game. It is possible that he will play into the second quarter just to get some reps, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Even the backups for the Steelers will be hard hitters and may want to make a name for themselves by nailing the Heisman winner.

I don’t think Jeff Otah will play even though he has been practicing. It just is not worth the risk of him getting injured in a preseason game. The Panthers are banged up enough and probably just want to get out of the game as healthy as they can. Jimmy Clausen who has an injured thigh will get some playing time and we may see Derek Anderson again at quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night for the last preseason game of the year. Since the Panthers have long tried to pattern themselves after the Steelers this is appropriate. Not to mention that Steelers fans at Bank of America Stadium may outnumber those of the Panthers.

Traditionally the fourth preseason game is one of rest for the starters of most NFL teams. The starting units may play a series or two just so the fans can see them. But the game is usually one of rest for the starters to avoid injury. This also allows players who won’t make their team to showcase their ability to other teams who may pick them up.

So don’t expect to see much of Cam Newton against the Steelers in the last preseason game. It is possible that he will play into the second quarter just to get some reps, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Even the backups for the Steelers will be hard hitters and may want to make a name for themselves by nailing the Heisman winner.

I don’t think Jeff Otah will play even though he has been practicing. It just is not worth the risk of him getting injured in a preseason game. The Panthers are banged up enough and probably just want to get out of the game as healthy as they can. Jimmy Clausen who has an injured thigh will get some playing time and we may see Derek Anderson again at quarterback.