Players and coaches from the Carolina Panthers displayed a high level of intensity during Wednesday’s training camp practice in Charlotte. The session, which saw players in pads, was marked by competitive moments and spirited exchanges among teammates.
Head coach Dave Canales addressed the lively atmosphere, noting that while some actions went over the line, they reflected the team’s competitive drive. “Absolutely; I love it,” Canales said. “Because my thing to them is, guys, you got the green light to show us who you are. I’m giving you permission to make this team be who it is and what it’s going to be. And particularly for each individual, show us who you are, bring all of you. And if something’s a little bit out of sorts, you know, I’ll approach it, I’ll talk to guys about it.
“I thought there were two plays today. Jaycee made a beautiful interception today, then he punted the ball. OK, like we can’t do that. So then what happens? JT catches a great pass and spins it in front of the defense. These are penalties. We want to be a smart football team. We can’t have those things, guys. Let a dominant play be dominant. Let it speak for itself.”
He added: “So I address those things, but I also kind of like it,” he laughed. “I like the edge. I like the back and forth, but we’ve got to be smart.”
The day included standout plays such as Jaycee Horn intercepting Bryce Young and celebrating with a punted ball before Young responded with a touchdown pass to Ja’Tavion Sanders.
On the injury front, three players missed practice due to minor issues: wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (hamstring), cornerback Jackson (toe), and outside linebacker Pat Jones (illness). Canales explained that Renfrow’s absence was precautionary after feeling tightness in his hamstring: “I asked him, I said, shoot, if we had to play Sunday, you think you’re playing?” Canales said. “He’s like, oh, I’m playing. So, just something that we caught early, wanted to take care of him right here. I knew this was going to be a high day. We’ll have a couple of days to get him recovered, and then we’ll check in back in a couple of days and see where we’re at.” Rookie Corey Thornton filled in for Jackson during practice.
Canales praised Thornton’s performance: “He earned those reps in the spring by being where he’s supposed to be, by being clued into our calls, and then making plays on the ball,” Canales said. “Bottom line is when the ball goes up, somebody’s got to make a play. It’s either the receiver or the DB and he keeps showing up long and heavy at the ball, and so he’s doing a great job.”
Second-year defensive back Chau Smith-Wade also made an impact by energizing his group early in practice and challenging teammates’ effort levels between drills—a move supported by safety Demani Richardson: “Chau’s stepping up big time on the field and off the field just trying to pull guys together,” Richardson said after Wednesday’s training camp practice.
“That’s the thing I like about him. He’s always going to do the right thing. He’s going to always handle himself first and then try to get guys on board to be on the same page.”
Smith-Wade finished last season as starting nickel cornerback following his selection from Washington State in 2024’s fifth round draft class.
Coach Canales commented on Smith-Wade’s development: “Another really confident kid,” Canales said of his corner. “And I think you know Chau his understanding of schemes his communication all those things—now we’re seeing personality and I love this.
“Something I keep coming back to—when I start seeing personality I know they’re comfortable with what we’re doing and I’ve got to give a lot of credit to coaches working with these guys but these guys putting in work being able continue grow their roles.”
Looking ahead Panthers fans will have an opportunity Saturday night during Fan Fest—the only open practice because construction limits space at other sessions—with tickets available online through the official Panthers website. Coach Canales previewed plans for full-contact action at Bank of America Stadium:
“With all construction improvements we’re having we don’t have space have all our fans here but just want them know there’s something special competitive nature can’t wait show off what looks like Fan Fest,” Canales said.”We’ll be full pads we’ll be all live everything but laying out tying up guys’ legs.We want full tackling hitting all that thing but we just kind ask guys take care each other those vulnerable spots but we’re going play football we need it.
“And it’ll be great opportunity for our group kind take next step together have extended move-the-ball call-it periods where we have operate from sideline.The guys are out there.They’ve got communicate they’ve got talk.So I’m really excited about that.”
