Panthers training camp heats up on July 30 as Chuba Hubbard and Trevin Wallace fight. See how QB Bryce Young performed amid the chaos in this 2024 season update.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
You can always tell when training camp truly begins. It’s not the first day players report, but the first day the pads come on. For the Carolina Panthers, that day was Wednesday, and the intensity was palpable. The 'thud' of pads was accompanied by a sideline-clearing scuffle between running back Chuba Hubbard and linebacker Trevin Wallace, signaling that the battle for roster spots—and respect—has officially begun.
I think the sky's the limit for this group. I think this is going to be a very competitive team.
The first day in full gear is always a litmus test for a team's energy, and the Panthers passed with flying colors. The brief but intense fight between Chuba Hubbard and rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace was a clear sign that complacency won't be tolerated. While coaches quickly broke it up, the message was sent: jobs are on the line. Beyond the scuffle, the offense showed its own fire. Quarterback Bryce Young delivered several standout throws, showing poise and accuracy amidst the chaos, a welcome sight for fans hoping for a second-year leap.
The heightened competition on the field was mirrored by moves in the front office. The team released veteran special teamer Dan Chisena, who was hampered by a calf injury, to make room for undrafted rookie receiver Ja'seem Reed. It's a classic training camp transaction, swapping an injured veteran for a hungry rookie with upside. In more positive news, the Panthers received a boost to their depth with the activation of defensive tackle Bobby Brown III and punter Sam Martin from the non-football injury list. Brown, in particular, is expected to be a key rotational piece on the defensive line.
It wasn't all good news on the personnel front. Head Coach Dave Canales confirmed that tight end Tommy Tremble is still dealing with a back injury and isn't expected to practice for another three to four weeks. His absence puts more pressure on the remaining tight ends to step up. This adds to the season-long loss of rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who was placed on the PUP list with a knee injury. Health will be a major storyline to watch as the preseason approaches.
Despite some injury setbacks, the overall feeling in camp is one of optimism and renewed purpose. Guard Robert Hunt noted the positive energy around the team, while players like Hunter Renfrow embody the squad's resilience. Renfrow recently shared on social media that his college coach, Dabo Swinney, had to talk him out of retiring after his release from the Raiders. Now, he's a fan favorite in Carolina, fighting for a roster spot and proving that perseverance pays off. It's this kind of grit that has Coach Canales believing this team can finally end its seven-year playoff drought.
The pads are on, the battles are fierce, and the stakes couldn't be higher. While injuries to key players like Tremble and Brooks loom, the activation of Brown and Martin, coupled with the raw intensity seen on the field, suggests a team that's tired of losing. With Coach Canales setting a 'sky's the limit' expectation, every practice becomes a proving ground. The journey to end a seven-year playoff drought starts now, in the heat of a Charlotte summer, one padded practice at a time.
