Panthers wrap preseason with late loss to Steelers

Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne had another solid outing Thursday against Pittsburgh. (Mike McCarn)

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (WTVD) -- No Cam, no Luuuke, no victory. Though the Carolina Panthers led most of the night Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to score with nine seconds left and sneak out of Charlotte with a 17-14 victory.

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In what's traditionally regarded as the most meaningless of the four preseason games, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera kept both the first-team offense and defense on the bench along with rookie Christian McCaffrey.

The second-team guys would put Carolina on the board first. In the first quarter, Panthers cornerback Teddy Williams blitzed and got pressure on Steelers quarterback Landry Jones, who then threw a jump ball. David Mayo came down with the interception, and soon Fozzy Whittaker punched it in on a short run for a 7-0 lead.

One of the standouts this summer has been Cameron Artis-Payne. The third-year pro out of Auburn rumbled for 35 yards on another highly productive night. The "other" Cam finished with 51 yards on eight carries. He did have a drop, which is one of the reasons he isn't higher on the depth chart already.

Carolina Panthers' Kaelin Clay (83) makes a spectacular catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers' Cameron Sutton.AP

Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker, a Houston native, shows support on his shoes for his Harvey-ravaged hometown.AP

A Panthers fan shows her support for those affected by Hurricane Harvey.AP

Cam Newton didn't have a prayer of seeing action in the final, meaningless-for-the-starters game of preseason.AP

This Panthers fan is in midseason form Thursday night.AP

Pittsburgh Steelers' Justin Hunter catches a touchdown pass against Carolina Panthers' Cole Luke.AP

Quarterback Joe Webb looks to make something good happen.AP

Carolina Panthers' Jalen Simmons (38) is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers' Malik Golden.AP

Carolina Panthers' Fozzy Whittaker (43) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers' Tyson Alualu.AP

Cheerleaders need preseason practice, too.AP

Carolina Panthers'rookie Curtis Samuel returns a kick against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He would later leave with an ankle injury.AP

Carolina Panthers' Damiere Byrd (18), one of the preseason's breakout stars, celebrates a touchdown catch.AP

Carolina Panthers' Cameron Artis-Payne runs through the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense.AP

Damiere Byrd finished with two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown. This play was initially ruled a TD but he was ruled down by contact after a replay review.AP

The Panthers took the lead late in the half on a Joe Webb-to-Damiere Byrd 13-yard touchdown pass. For those clamoring for Webb to replace Derek Anderson as the teams backup QB, Webb threw two interceptions including a terrible decision early in the second half to set Pittsburgh up deep in Carolina territory.
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Cut day is Saturday, and the Panthers will trim the roster from 90 to 53.

Then it's on to San Francisco for the season opener on Sept. 10.

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