Compared to their preseason debut, the Carolina Panthers' second outing this month was a total bummer. Today, the Panthers visited the Buffalo Bills at the new Highmark Stadium, and will be taking home a 29-7 loss.
There were several players who stood out in a good way, but not everyone had a solid outing.
Here are a few players whose stock is trending down after a rough preseason showing . . .
QB Kyle Trask
Following Haynes King’s hamstring injury, the Panthers needed a new third-string quarterback—so they signed Kyle Trask earlier this week. His first action in process blue was forgettable, though.
The former second-round pick threw a heinous interception on just his second pass attempt, one that the defender seemingly read long before the ball ever left Trask’s hand. That set up a quick touchdown for Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. in the fourth quarter.
Trask did, however, at least find the end zone on a 9-yard connection with wideout John Metchie III in the final minute of the game.
RB Trevor Etienne
In Etienne's defense, Carolina’s running backs didn’t get much help in the run blocking department today. Starter Jonathan Brooks managed just five yards on three carries, while Etienne was only able to post seven yards on six attempts—with his best going for just three yards.
Etienne did chip in another 18 yards on four receptions, but he may have to do more as a rusher to keep veteran AJ Dillon off his No. 3 spot in the room.
G Chandler Zavala
The Panthers were missing multiple starters, including their two highly-paid guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt.
Zavala started in place of Lewis, and certainly didn't hold down the fort. Quarterback Bryce Young was pressured consistently on the first team's three drives, with Zavala appearing to be the weakest link.
Entering his fourth season, Zavala continues show he's still not very reliable.
OLB Trevis Gipson II
On Buffalo’s second drive of the game, the Panthers had the Bills at a third-and-15—but a big blunder from Gipson gave them another chance. After getting into the backfield, Gipson reached out for quarterback Josh Allen and got a handful of his face mask—resulting in a 15-yard penalty.
Allen quickly took advantage, side-stepping another pass rush and delivering a touchdown to wideout Keon Coleman on the next play. Tackling Allen is easier said than done, but Carolina's defense can’t afford that kind of mistake. Gipson also had issues setting the edge against the run.
Solid performances from fellow edge rushers Princely Umanmielen and Cam Gill may not have helped Gipson's case either.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 Panthers who hurt their stock in preseason loss to Bills