The Carolina Panthers preseason has not gotten off to the start that they would have wanted. With injury concerns and no playing time for starters, preseason has not been easy for the struggling team. After losses against the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, the Panthers need a win in their final game to re-establish some confidence.
Panthers’ Preseason Woes
The preseason has caused concerns for multiple reasons for the Panthers. Training camp and preseason matchups have not gone in favor of the team. Injuries have been a key factor and there are several high-profile players missing time for the Panthers. Another reason for concern has been their poor performances in their first two preseason games, although most of these players have been second and third-string players.
Injury Updates
Safety Xavier Woods sustained an injury in their joint camp with the Jets and is now expected to be out for a few weeks with a groin injury. Woods has been an important addition to the Panthers’ defense, after stints with the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys. His contributions to the team have come in the form of three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He has also had 147 tackles, solo and assisted, since the Panthers picked him up.
Another injury to keep an eye on is the hamstring injury that Dane Jackson suffered in practice this week. Jackson was projected to be a starting cornerback alongside Jaycee Horn, but the Panthers will have to fill this position now with Jackson supposedly out for six weeks. Before coming to the Panthers, Jackson spent four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Jackson amassed 152 total tackles, 129 of them being solo tackles. He has also had two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions.
There have also been some minor injuries that have plagued Panthers’ players throughout the offseason. New addition Diontae Johnson suffered a minor groin injury that kept him out of practice. The Panthers will need the wide receiver to stay healthy, as he’s slated to be their number-one receiver. Running back Chuba Hubbard has been dealing with a knee injury but should return to practice this week. Hubbard is projected to be the Panthers’ lead running back until at least the third or fourth week of the season when Jonathon Brooks returns from an injury.
Lack Of Preseason Action
First-year head coach Dave Canales has taken a cautious approach throughout preseason so far. He hasn’t played any starters in their first two games, and he might not play starting quarterback Bryce Young at all during the preseason. Canales has used rookie quarterback Jack Plummer and fifth-year quarterback Jake Luton to take their snaps in their preseason matchups.
The lack of playing time for starters might not come as a huge shock, but fans are worried about the team not getting any action on the field. Young had a dismal first season with the Panthers and needs a solid year to cement his place on the Panthers’ offense for seasons to come. With no reps in preseason so far, Young has only been able to show any improvements he has made on the practice field. Reports out of training camp haven’t been the best, with a handful of interceptions being thrown by Young.
Causes For Concern
Injuries have plagued the Panthers for a few seasons now and contributed a lot to their poor performances last season. With preseason in full gear, injuries are already starting to pile up for the Panthers. Another area that could use improvement is playing time for starters. Canales needs to give Young reps during their final preseason matchup against the Bills. Rookie players have not experienced any professional games yet and must try to adjust to the playing style of their new offense. While it is early days for the Panthers’ players and head coach, adjustments already seem like they need to be made.
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