Five Tight Ends? Reich Hints at a Possible Move

The Carolina Panthers' initial 53-man roster has been finalized, but that doesn't mean the roster is completely set for Week 1. We've already seen a handful of moves to make room for the three guys the team picked up on waivers - offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton (New Orleans Saints), defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (San Francisco 49ers), and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (New York Jets).

More moves are on the way and one position group that will almost certainly shrink ahead of the season opener in Atlanta is tight end. Currently, the Panthers have Hayden Hurst, Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Giovanni Ricci, and Stephen Sullivan on the roster.

We all know Frank Reich loves his tight ends, but will he really keep all five? I went straight to the source and asked if that was his intention on Wednesday.

"We like that room. This whole offseason and in training camp, I keep telling those guys whenever I talk to the tight ends, like listen, this is a good room, and the way you guys complement each other. We'll see. We may make a move here, but I think we'll end up trying to keep these guys around. We really like this room."

So, what does he mean by making a move? Well, it could mean someone they like externally becomes available or that Stephen Sullivan, who is dealing with an injury is a little ways from returning to the mix and could result in a trip to injured reserve.

Hurst is the clear-cut No. 1 in the room while Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble serve more as an extension of the offensive line. Gio Ricci is viewed as a hybrid, mostly lining up in the backfield as a fullback. My guess is if Sullivan doesn't return in the next few days, they'll throw him on IR and open up a roster spot. The question then becomes, will Reich look to add another receiving threat at tight end to keep the room at five or perhaps add depth at another position?

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