Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr. had one heck of an opportunity ahead of him entering training camp. But before he could even really get started on it, that chance was taken away from him.
Haynes Sr., who’s missed the vast majority of the summer with a back injury, hit the lectern on Tuesday. When asked of how he’s feeling, the 29-year-old seemed pretty positive about his status.
“I feel better,” he replied with a smile. “Still workin’ through it and stuff. Just gettin’ back in the rhythm and stuff. Just bein’ out there with the team again really felt great. Just takin’ it day by day.”
He seemed even more positive when asked about his status for Week 1.
“Oh, it’s very high,” Haynes Sr. said about his confidence in being available for the opener. “Like, I’m 1000 percent confident I’m gonna be ready.”
Haynes Sr. returned to practice for the first time on Monday. He now rejoins a largely unsettled group of edge defenders, led by starters Brian Burns and Justin Houston.
As for what’s behind those two Pro Bowl pass rushers on the depth chart is something the Panthers will have to continue to figure out. But if his back is back, Haynes Sr. should factor in quite a bit leading up to that Week 1 date.
