Carolina Panthers fans may have to wait until the start of the regular season to see newly minted running back Miles Sanders. 

On Wednesday, head coach Frank Reich explained that Sanders, who missed the team's first preseason game, isn't expected to play against the New York Giants Friday, and could be held out for the entirety of the Panthers' tune-up games before Week 1.

"It's getting better," Reich said of Sanders' groin injury. "I don't know if we would have played him or not (regardless of injury) because I think he was looking really good and explosive. Maybe we would've played him for a couple carries, maybe not. But I think we're getting close." 

Sanders, who the Panthers signed to a four-year, $25.4 million deal in the offseason, is supposed to step into the lead running back slot. But as it turns out, not having the starting running back may actually benefit the Panthers as a whole. 

He enjoyed a career year with the Philadelphia Eagles, who went to the Super Bowl. And when training camp first started in late July, he indicated that he is eager to get to work. 

Despite a groin injury limiting Sanders' ability to practice and play throughout the preseason, Reich is looking at it as a positive. He gets a chance to see what the rest of the running backs have to offer as the Panthers figure out the rotating cast of characters behind Sanders on the depth chart. 

“I actually think they’ve all had really good moments,” he said of the backup backs. “And so, got a good opportunity Friday night and then next week against the Lions—just to see if anyone kinda steps out in the front. But I think they’ve all looked good.

“Obviously, Spencer [Brown] ran the ball really well last week. Chuba’s [Hubbard] really been consistent. Raheem [Blackshear] continues to do his thing, and then he has the added value the special teams stuff he does as a returner. So, it’s an interesting battle. It’s an interesting battle to kinda see who are the complementary guys for Miles. As you know, we’re gonna do it by committee. But those guys have looked good. Really happy with that room.”

The Panthers may not see Sanders throughout the entire preseason. And that may be a good thing. It gives the team an opportunity to figure out what else it has at the running back position. 

For now, the team is focused on improving heading into its matchup with the Giants. 

Panthers Adam Thielen gives sage advice to NFL rival; he should have given it to Bryce Young

When the Carolina Panthers lost 27-0 to the New York Jets, it was a moment of learning for the Panthers.

Panthers budding duo is a relationship built on trust

Bryce Young and DJ Chark have something special brewing.

Feature image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.