The Carolina Panthers concluded their training camp on Tuesday with an intense final padded practice that included a brief fight among teammates. Head coach Dave Canales addressed the incident, noting that his challenge to the players may have pushed them beyond the intended limit.
“May have pushed the guys a little bit too hard in the team meeting this morning,” Canales said.
The altercation occurred when safety Nick Scott appeared to step over wide receiver Jalen Coker, prompting some of Coker’s offensive teammates to react. Tensions escalated between left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and cornerback Jaycee Horn, with Horn taking a swing during the exchange.
“I’m going to talk to the guys this afternoon, it’s like, OK, now you throw a punch, you’re gone, so then all of a sudden, where are we at?” Canales stated. “Where’s the rest of the team when that happens? So, good teachable moment right there, but a fantastic day at work.”
Horn had just returned to practice after having stitches removed from his left hand. Despite concerns about injury risk during such incidents, Canales emphasized maintaining discipline among teammates.
“Sure, but I mean, honestly, it’s just don’t punch your teammates or punch other teammates,” he said. “Let’s make sure that we play with the 46 guys we brought to the game, and that’s got to be the focus. . . .
“This is like the dog days of camp, and this is the one last shots in pads, and they took it, they crescendoed to a place that I want our football to be, and we have to be comfortable operating there.”
Running back Chuba Hubbard also spoke up following practice: “At the end of the day, we’re all family, it’s going to get heated like this sometimes, but we’ve got to move forward together.”
Canales praised his team’s physical approach while stressing control was necessary.
“And they just kind of were in a competitive moment, the tempers flared,” he explained. “We try to push the guys to the edge. We went a little bit over. But at the same time, that’s the edginess we have to play with when we have these opportunities; we have to be able to play a physical style of football and you know sometimes it goes a little too far.”
Looking ahead to Thursday’s preseason finale against Pittsburgh Steelers (https://www.panthers.com/schedule/), Canales confirmed that both he and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will handle play-calling duties even though starters will not participate.
“I mean it may seem weird to people,” Canales said. “You’re not playing the starters but you’re calling it but again it’s for he and I just continue to find sequence of winning a game…making adjustments and utilizing new information…”
During preseason games so far (https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-steelers-game-preview-preseason-2025), offensive coordinator Brad Idzik has called plays offensively while Jonathan Cooley and Pete Hansen shared defensive responsibilities. Canales sees value in these opportunities for developing coaching staff routines.
“I know how valuable it is as you’re searching for plays…for Brad…to feel what that feels like…these are things running through his mind as he’s developing this game…” Canales said.
He also discussed free agent safety Tre’von Moehrig’s performance since joining from Las Vegas Raiders (https://www.nfl.com/players/tre-von-moehrig/) after posting 104 tackles last season (https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoehTr00.htm). Moehrig made several notable plays during Tuesday’s session including an interception off Bryce Young following Mike Jackson’s pass breakup.
“I want guys’ personalities to show up…” said Canales regarding Moehrig’s quiet demeanor yet impactful presence on defense.
Injury updates included tight end Tommy Tremble progressing well after back surgery in May with hopes for activation before regular season starts; no setbacks reported so far by medical staff according (https://www.panthers.com/team/injury-report/). Meanwhile left guard Damien Lewis continues recovering from shoulder issues suffered during joint practices with Cleveland Browns; status for Week 1 remains uncertain as recovery progresses week-to-week basis.
“Tommy is doing great…he’s running full speed…he’s had no setbacks…” Canales stated regarding Tremble’s condition.
On quarterback personnel moves (https://www.panthers.com/team/players-roster/bryce-perkins/), veteran Andy Dalton practiced without restrictions but will sit out Thursday’s game; newly signed Bryce Perkins will see action instead after recent stint in UFL following three years with Los Angeles Rams (https://www.nfl.com/players/bryce-perkins/stats/career).
Perkins’ attitude drew praise from Canales: “Even just today…enjoying moment…the one thing I learned while playing in UFL is that guys are playing for love of game…”
Canales added: “This is greatest…these are greatest days of our lives…this is dream…”
