The Panthers are running out of camp days before the Hall of Fame Game, and Monday brought a little bit of everything: a few encouraging flashes, a couple of rough snaps, and more injury news in a summer that has already been heavy on it.
One of the biggest bright spots came from Monroe Freeling. He’s been put in a tough spot, working starter reps on the right side instead of the left, and he’s been seeing plenty of Jaelan Phillips, the $120 million man. Even with that challenge, Freeling turned in a strong rep and held up well against the pass rusher.
Xavier Legette also kept building momentum. He hauled in an impressive touchdown during practice, but that was only part of the story. He was sharp throughout the day and continues to string together good sessions this summer now that Chris Brazzell is no longer in the mix for the WR3 job.
Tetairoa McMillan had one of the most eye-catching days on the field. He and Bryce Young were connected all practice long, to the point that Dave Canales was asked about their chemistry. McMillan also came down with two outrageous highlight-reel catches, the kind that show a side of his game that wasn’t there last year.
Not everyone had the same kind of day. Sam Hecht took a hit in his battle to make the starting lineup over Luke Fortner, and Monday made that gap look a little wider. He got driven straight backward by Cam Jackson in one-on-one work, a rough rep that stood out for all the wrong reasons.
The line also took another injury hit. Saahdiq Charles, who had been filling in for Damien Lewis and playing well, hurt his calf on Monday. Lewis is still out while he works back from injury, so the Panthers are once again juggling bodies up front.
There was at least some good news on that front. Mitchell Evans returned after missing several days with an ankle sprain, and Rob Hunt and Tommy Tremble were also back after the Panthers had been dealing with a wave of injuries. After losing Nic Scourton and Chris Brazzell and spending much of camp shorthanded, getting those names back on the field was a welcome sight.
In Other News...
Greg Olsen Is Suddenly Part Of A Massive CBS Debate
Tony Romos indefinite leave from CBS has created an unexpected opening at the top of the networks NFL broadcast booth, and the replacement plan has already started to take shape. CBS has named J.J. Watt as Romos stand-in on the No. 1 crew, but the longer-term conversation is more complicated, especially with the network looking at options beyond a temporary fix.
For Panthers fans, Greg Olsen suddenly finds himself back in the middle of a familiar TV debate. According to John Ourand, the former Carolina tight end is viewed as a potential successor if CBS decides it wants a permanent change, giving Olsen another chance to land among the sports most prominent voices. It is still only part of a larger decision process, but it is enough to put his name firmly in the discussion. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Suddenly Face A Xavier Legette Concern They Didn't Need
Xavier Legettes training camp day took an unsettling turn when the Panthers receiver came down hard on the back of his head during practice and had to be carted off the field. He was seen wiggling his fingers before leaving on the cart, and later was able to walk with assistance, but the sequence was enough to stop practice from feeling routine in a hurry.
For a Carolina offense that is trying to build momentum and settle its receiving picture, any injury scare around a young playmaker is the kind of disruption it does not need. Coach Dave Canales is expected to provide more information after practice, and the next update will go a long way toward clarifying how serious the concern is and what it means for Legette moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Suddenly Have A Familiar Pass Rush Option To Consider
The offseason has brought a familiar theme around the league, with a few notable veterans finding their way back to teams they once called home. For the Panthers, that broader trend matters because the need is obvious: the pass rush has been a concern, and Carolina has been looking for ways to add juice on the edge as camp has unfolded and the roster has taken a few hits.
Haason Reddick is now one of the more intriguing names in that conversation, given both his history and the type of impact he can still bring when healthy and in the right role. Carolina does not need a reminder that this is a position group where help would be welcome, and the possibility of revisiting a familiar option gives the team something meaningful to weigh as it sorts out the next move. [Read more 🡒]