Carolina Panthers 2025 training camp hinges on Derrick Brown's recovery. Can the star DT return to form and anchor the defense after a major injury?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the Carolina Panthers inch closer to training camp, a tense narrative is unfolding in Charlotte. On one hand, there's the palpable optimism of a star player nearing his return and a receiving corps building chemistry. On the other, a growing injury list casts a long shadow, reminding fans just how quickly fortunes can turn. The central question for the 2025 season is already clear: can the Panthers get their key pieces on the field when it matters most?
Derrick Brown's 2023 season, where he led the entire NFL with a staggering 47% run stop win rate, is the benchmark for what a healthy Panthers defense can be.
The biggest sigh of relief on Wednesday came from Derrick Brown. The Pro Bowl defensive tackle, whose 2024 season was brutally cut short by a meniscus tear in the opener, expressed hope that he'll be ready to practice when training camp kicks off. His return can't be overstated. After the team traded away Brian Burns, the entire defensive scheme has been recalibrated to feature Brown as its anchor. His 2023 performance, where he was arguably the most dominant run-stopper in the league, feels like a lifetime ago after the defense struggled mightily in his absence. If Brown is truly back to his top-10 form, he single-handedly elevates the entire unit from a question mark to an exclamation point.
While one star works his way back, the team's prized rookie is being handled with extreme care. First-round wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was held out of practice as a precaution following a collision during minicamp. The Panthers are refusing to take any chances with the player they expect to be a cornerstone of the passing attack for years to come. With the season opener against Jacksonville on the horizon, the priority is ensuring McMillan is 100% healthy for Week 1, even if it means sacrificing some valuable summer reps. It's a smart, albeit nerve-wracking, strategy for a player shouldering massive expectations.
The caution surrounding McMillan is understandable when you look at the broader injury report. The list of players whose Week 1 status is in question is worryingly long: Claudin Cherelus (toe), D.J. Wonnum (back), DJ Johnson (concussion), Tommy Tremble (back), Amare Barno (knee), and Jimmy Horn Jr. (hamstring) are all on the mend. This laundry list of ailments puts the team's depth to the test before a single meaningful snap has been played, highlighting the importance of the front office's offseason moves.
One of those key depth moves was re-signing veteran guard Austin Corbett to a one-year deal. Despite his own difficult history with season-ending injuries, Corbett provides invaluable experience and versatility across the interior offensive line. His presence serves as a crucial insurance policy and a mentor for younger players like Cade Mays and Brady Christensen, who are battling for starting jobs. It's a clear sign the front office understands that winning in the NFL isn't just about the stars; it's about having reliable veterans who can step in when adversity inevitably strikes.
Amidst the injury updates, a welcome dose of positivity emerged from the wide receiver room. An inside look at the group's recent retreat showcased a unit focused on building chemistry and camaraderie. The behind-the-scenes footage revealed players bonding and fine-tuning their craft away from the facility, a vital process for a group that will feature a new key piece in McMillan. This kind of off-field work is exactly what fans love to see, proving that while the training staff is busy, the players are focused on forging the connections that win games.
The Panthers are a team holding a ticket to contention, but it's printed in invisible ink that only appears with good health. The coming weeks of training camp will be a crucible, testing the resilience of returning stars and the readiness of the entire roster. All of Panther Nation will be holding its breath, waiting to see if this team can finally get healthy and stay healthy on the road to Week 1.
