After today’s Carolina Panthers training camp practice, head coach Ron Rivera addressed the question of running back depth on the Panthers roster. In no uncertain terms, Rivera set the Carolina Panthers depth chart for us, with the only question mark being the third string running back.

“Our second running back is really a combination of Michael Tolbert and Fozzy Whitaker” Rivera said. “The guys we have to find out about is Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher. Those two young guys have done a nice job as you guys saw, at fan fest they did a nice job as well. I’m excited to see them play.”

Rivera is as straight a shooter when it comes to talking to the media as there is in the NFL. You can safely take what he said today as truth.

So Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, and Fozzy Whitaker are locks to make the final roster. Cameron Artis-Payne and Brandon Wegher are in competition for the third string back position. The loser of that battle will likely be placed on the practice squad and subsequently in danger of being picked up by another NFL team.

Ron Rivera mentioned fan fest specifically, a practice in which both running backs performed very well. However, in my opinion, it was Brandon Wegher who made the more impressive play.

I am told that it is truly an open competition between Artis-Payne and Wegher. Draft status no longer is taken into consideration as both have a full year under their belt. Wegher and Artis-Payne both have an equal opportunity to win the third string running back position.

For these two players, it all begins Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. The futures of these two young running backs hinge on their performances during the Carolina Panthers preseason. Stay tuned.