The Carolina Panthers are preparing for what will likely be the toughest challenge of their training camp. Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets are coming to town for a joint practice this week ahead of their preseason game. This will be the best evaluation tool yet, given how ambitious the AFC East team is in 2024.
Dave Canales has a big task ahead of him, but he is confident the methods being implemented will bear fruit. There are some skeptics – particularly when it comes to resting players who desperately need live training during the preseason – but the Panthers believe this is the best way to prepare for some difficult tests ahead.
Monday’s practice session was the shortest of the camp so far, coming after a competitive 12th day in full gear, but offering another chance to impress with the final cuts in the not-too-distant future.
With that in mind, here are five key observations from Day 13 of Carolina’s training camp in Charlotte.
Jordan Matthew claims
There’s an interesting dynamic brewing in the tight end room. Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas have missed several practices due to injuries. Stephen Sullivan was released, giving others an opportunity to stake their claim.
Jordan Matthews has taken advantage of the opportunity better than most. The veteran is fully engaged and trying to make the most of the opportunity presented to him. This has not gone unnoticed by head coach Dave Canales, who praised the player’s work ethic and reliability, as evidenced by comments on the team’s website.
“He’s doing a fantastic job. We can count on him. He gives everything he’s got on (special) teams and especially with that tight end group. Just knowing you have a guy doing what he’s supposed to do while we’re putting our groups together is really valuable at this point, especially with Tommy and Ian not there.”
– Dave Canales via Panthers.com
Matthews went from being a reserve list candidate to someone who can earn a spot on the Carolina Panthers’ roster next season. A lot will depend on how many tight ends they move through. But with Thomas on the bench, it seems like there’s a spot there if the same trend continues in the coming weeks.
