A wet forecast put the kibosh on Thursday’s joint practice between the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets, and effectively wrapped up year’s trip to Spartanburg. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t learn a thing or two.
Here are a few interesting takeaways from head coach Frank Reich, wide receiver Adam Thielen and quarterback Andy Dalton—who all hit up Zoom for some chats this morning.
Miles Sanders will likely miss the preseason opener
Reich didn’t seem optimistic about Saturday’s status for Sanders, who has experienced a tweak in his groin:
Frank Reich says RB Miles Sanders sustained "a little bit of a tweak in his groin" in practice yesterday, and will likely be held out for the Jets preseason game.
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) August 10, 2023
Adam Thielen isn't counting out the Panthers' unproven WR room
Although the Panthers don’t have an established No. 1 receiver nor an established pecking order in the room, the offense may not fail. In fact, according to Thielen, it may actually be a good thing:
Adam Thielen says he's not just being politically correct when he says the best offenses he's seen don't necessarily have a No. 1, No. 2, etc.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) August 10, 2023
Andy Dalton continues to be impressed by Bryce Young
Dalton, who’s had a front row seat to Young’s progress this summer, is confident and excited about the rookie’s upcoming campaign.
“Bryce is made up the right way,” Dalton said, via Joe Person of The Athletic. “He’s done a great job since he’s been here. I’m excited to see how his career starts and everything he’s able to do this year.”
Notable observations
Panthers head coach Frank Reich joins the media via Zoom after the last practice of training camp (and last day of joint practice with the Jets) was canceled Thursday.
Thanks fans for coming out to camp in Spartanburg, says players felt the energy. pic.twitter.com/b0sWRkSpIg
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) August 10, 2023
Frank Reich said he and Robert Saleh met this am and decided wet fields weren't worth the risk of soft-tissue injuries.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 10, 2023
Reich won't specify a number, but said starters needed to play in the preseason, since everything is new here, and they have to play two division games right out of the chute.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 10, 2023
Adds there's a chance Andy Dalton won't play in this preseason opener because they want to give Matt Corral a long look.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 10, 2023
The wonderful @mzcarolinablitz asks Reich about how much weight the initial unofficial depth chart has.
Answer: "Not a lot."
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 10, 2023
Adam Thielen said the Panthers' tight ends back to OTAs were a group that "stood on a table for me.'' Then in training camp after seeing their physicality in the run game he was impressed even more.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 10, 2023
Andy Dalton says Panthers' offense is tailored to Bryce Young's skill set. "Bryce is made up the right way. He's done a great job since he's been here. I'm excited to see how his career starts and everything he's able to do this year."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 10, 2023
