North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers have announced that Cade Mays will start as center against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday. This marks the third consecutive week Mays will snap for quarterback Bryce Young, who was confirmed as the starter by Dave Canales on Monday.

Offensive guard Robert Hunt praised Mays, saying, "He's a hell of a football player. He's a smart cat." The decision to start Mays comes after a series of adjustments in the offensive line due to injuries. Brady Christensen had been filling in at center but moved to left tackle following Ikem Ekwonu's ankle injury in Week 8 against the Broncos. With Ekwonu set to return, Christensen could revert to his original position, but the team has opted to maintain the successful pairing of Mays and Young.

Canales expressed confidence in Mays, citing his eagerness and willingness to contribute. "Just an eagerness," Canales noted about Mays' recent performances. "An eagerness to be able to help in any way, any way possible."

Mays joined the Panthers after being drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. He spent time with the New York Giants before returning to Charlotte following Austin Corbett's season-ending injury. Canales described their reaction upon needing a replacement: "We immediately were like, where's Cade?" he said.

In his two starts, Mays has played 56 pass-blocking snaps and allowed only two quarterback pressures without conceding any sacks. Canales highlighted Mays' performance against top players like Dexter Lawrence and Derrick Brown as beneficial experience.

Injury updates from Wednesday's practice included Miles Sanders (ankle), Damien Lewis (illness), A'Shawn Robinson (rest day), and Jadeveon Clowney (knee) sitting out. Amaré Barno returned to practice after rehabbing a knee injury, while Jonathon Brooks and Adam Thielen participated positively.

Bryce Young's enthusiasm was evident during last week's game against the Giants when he celebrated on the sidelines after a defensive turnover led to a game-winning field goal opportunity. When asked about his celebratory dance, Young replied with humor: "I don't know, that's a good question. I was just happy at the time."

Young emphasized his enduring passion for football despite increased expressiveness recently: "I've always enjoyed the game... Maybe it's been more expressive the last couple of weeks, but my love for the game has always been there."