North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — Diontae Johnson made notable plays during Tuesday's minicamp practice, including a late touchdown pass from Bryce Young while covered by cornerback Jaycee Horn. This is the kind of attention Johnson will receive, and Horn provides the type of challenge the offense needs.

"Just lining up and going to work," Johnson said. "There's nothing specific about it. It's like at the end of the day, you line up and play football, and that's what we're doing, trying to make each other better. Iron sharpens iron."

Head coach Dave Canales emphasized the importance of this competitive spirit during practices. "It's great, and it's the message I'm trying to sell to the team — we make us," Canales said. "The mentality is, can I find my best today?"

Johnson's presence is significant for Young and the Panthers' offense this offseason. Johnson has shared his expertise with a young group and built a rapport with his new quarterback.

"He embraced me, and I embraced him," Johnson said of Young. "Our relationship is steady growing every day... Just having that relationship with your quarterback so that you respect him and have trust in one another."

Despite back-to-back plays being considered a mixed bag, Canales focused on overall operation improvement heading into pre-training camp work.

"I think I saw a little bit of it today... The tempo between plays, getting the calls, getting to the line... That's really what I'm trying to look for because we do need to come into camp and be able to pick up right where we left off from a tempo standpoint," Canales stated.

The Panthers were still missing several players due to injuries or offseason surgeries. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum worked on recovery alongside Jadeveon Clowney under position coach Tem Lukabu’s guidance. Other absentees included Amaré Barno (ACL tear), Eku Leota (calf injury), DJ Johnson (knee injury), Xavier Legette (hamstring issue), and running back Miles Sanders (heel injury).

Rookie receiver Xavier Legette's absence was not seen as long-term since they are heading into a break before training camp.

"I think if we're playing a game this week, he's practicing," Canales noted regarding Legette.

Running back Miles Sanders reflected on his journey over the past 15 months: signing as a free agent last March, experiencing struggles last season, losing his starting job to Chuba Hubbard, witnessing regime change, and facing competition from Jonathon Brooks.

"The past is the past; I'm here now," Sanders said confidently about moving forward.

Sanders also expressed confidence in Canales' focus on running the ball this year: "We're going to run the ball... And we're going to create a lot of opportunities for the guys that we have... It's going to be a fun year."