The Carolina Panthers have now concluded their business in Spartanburg, S.C. for the summer. But they’re not leaving without giving us a few good takeaways first.
Here’s what we learned from the 12th and final practice of 2022 training camp.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold will both play on Saturday
Head coach Matt Rhule hasn’t given us much about who’s currently in the lead for the starting quarterback job. Like, have you seen yesterday’s depth chart release yet?
Anyway, he at least told reporters that both Mayfield and Darnold are set to play in the team’s preseason opener against the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
“Not yet,” Rhule said on Wednesday when asked if he has a game plan for this weekend. “We’ll meet today and have that. But both quarterbacks will have a chance to play.”
“I think it’s an ongoing process,” he said when asked if he’s any closer to a decision. “As I said—when we know, we know. If we knew for sure, we would say it and just move on with it. So when we know, we know. Every day brings new evidence. Every day brings new insights.”
Matt Corral is coming along
Matt Corral has taken a backseat to the Mayfield vs. Darnold battle. But the rookie, who got some added reps on Wednesday, has still impressed Rhule:
“Matt’s had a good camp in the limited time he’s got. He’s really coming along. There’s no question about Matt’s ability to throw the football and he sees the field really well. To me, it’s him adapting to the NFL. And I think he has really taken well to the amount of work he has to do ’cause he’s not getting a ton of reps. And I think that’s actually speeding up his development. I’m excited about where he’s headed. I didn’t hear Ben [McAdoo] yelling at him too much. So I think that probably means he did pretty well.”
Taylor Moton is Matt Rhule's training camp MVP
This seems to be the summer where Taylor Moton is finally getting his flowers. The sixth-year lineman received his latest praise from Rhule, who named him his Most Valuable Player from Spartanburg:
“Boy, that’s really, really hard. I think a lot of guys have done a really good job. I’m gonna go ahead and say T-Mo. Moton. I think Moton’s taken the next to becoming the dominant player he’s capable of. And I think his leadership is being felt.”
C.J. Saunders gets tough news
Saunders has easily been amongst the most impressive players of camp. His work from the slot, specifically, was helping him make a run at a crowded receivers room.
Unfortunately, as stated by Rhule, the 25-year-old sustained a quad strain yesterday and will miss three to four weeks. That will likely keep Saunders from making the initial 53-man roster.
Injury updates from Rhule: CJ Saunders, quad strain, 3-4 weeks.
Ian Thomas, ribs, a week or two, depending on the pain.— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 10, 2022
Notable observations
Last day of camp?! Did it fly by or what!
Many vets are getting the day off and practice is starting a little bit earlier. It is a good day to have a good day pic.twitter.com/kVK8JP90gj
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) August 10, 2022
Most starters in street clothes for the final practice of camp.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 10, 2022
📝: First play of practice, red zone, PJ hits Scott for the TD.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 10, 2022
Second year cornerback Jaycee Horn taking some snaps on a day when the 1s and 2s for the most part have the day off.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 10, 2022
Just a drill in this vid. But he is getting reps in today’s team period, his first of camp. Will be interesting to see if he’s full or not next week in New England. https://t.co/xRkPoC2EGU
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 10, 2022
📝: Corral with 4’s. 3 plays. 1st play was a run. 2nd short pass with about 9 yards or YAK. 3rd rush up the middle for the TD.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 10, 2022
Nice touch on a ball from Corral to a running back in the flat. Layered it a bit so RB could catch it in stride to end zone.
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) August 10, 2022
Last day of camp in Spartanburg for the Panthers. Most starters / veterans are in street clothes. Matt Corral getting bulk of 3rd team 11-on-11 reps
— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) August 10, 2022
TE Josh Babicz went down, and is being carted off with the athletic training staff.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 10, 2022
PJ Walker looks like he has a decided edge on Panthers rookie Matt Corral.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 10, 2022
This sums up today. Offensive lineman Sam Tecklenburg caught a TD. Panthers camp is over.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 10, 2022
2022 Panthers training camp is a wrap in Spartanburg, SC. pic.twitter.com/cx8s3yv2G2
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) August 10, 2022
WR CJ Saunders is expected to miss at least 3 weeks with what appears to be a quad injury. TE Ian Thomas (ribs) expected to miss at least 2 weeks. #Panthers
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) August 10, 2022
