The Carolina Panthers are evaluating whether their starting players will participate in Friday’s preseason finale, following a joint practice with the Houston Texans scheduled for Wednesday. Head coach Dave Canales indicated on Monday, August 24, that the intensity and volume of the joint practice could be sufficient to negate the need for starters to play in the upcoming game.
Canales stated that the decision hinges on the work achieved during the Wednesday practice, which was planned in coordination with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. If the desired workload is met, it is likely the starters will not play. However, if the practice does not provide enough work, some starters might see early play in the game.
Panthers starters previously played two series in Friday’s game against Jacksonville and had a similar workload against the Bills. They did not participate in the Hall of Fame Game. This approach suggests that quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Kyle Trask are expected to handle most of the playing time in the finale. Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King, who sustained a hamstring injury in the Hall of Fame Game, will not be available for the preseason finale, according to Canales.
In other team news, tight end Darren Waller participated in individual drills and some team drills on Monday, marking his first time in a Panthers jersey on the field. Canales confirmed that Waller is also unlikely to play in Friday’s game if he gets sufficient work during Wednesday’s joint practice. Waller’s evaluation will heavily rely on his recent performance in the league, including his nine games last season with the Dolphins, given his limited time with the Panthers’ scheme before Week 1.
Several players were absent from Monday’s practice due to injuries. Linebacker Devin Lloyd was experiencing soreness after the joint practice with the Jaguars and received intensive knee treatment over the weekend. Canales does not anticipate a long-term issue for Lloyd. Running back Chuba Hubbard, dealing with a hamstring injury, remains on track for the regular season opener. Wide receiver Xavier Legette is expected to stay in a walking boot for the rest of the week, with hopes of being ready for the week leading into the regular season. Safety Lathan Ransom and defensive tackle Cam Jackson, both in concussion protocol, practiced in red non-contact jerseys. Linebacker Bam Martin-Scott worked with the rehab group. Wide receiver Ja’seem Reed returned to practice on Monday.
Outside linebacker Nic Scourton and rookie receiver Chris Brazzell II have returned to Charlotte after undergoing successful surgeries in Texas for an ACL tear and a torn lateral collateral ligament, respectively. Scourton had his surgery approximately two weeks ago, with Brazzell’s a few days later. Both players watched the Panthers versus Bills preseason game during their recovery.
The team faces roster cuts on Sunday, reducing the roster from 91 to 53 players, with 16 additional spots for the practice squad. Canales and general manager Dan Morgan are discussing these decisions, emphasizing that the upcoming practice and game offer a final opportunity for many players to compete.
