Posted on Aug 15
Panthers coach Dave Canales addresses fight during practice: "That's dumb football."
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Panthers' Secondary Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Season Opener
Why it matters: The Carolina Panthers are dealing with significant injuries to key players in their secondary, including starting cornerback Dane Jackson and starting safety Xavier Woods. These injuries could impact the team's defensive performance and game plan for their season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
- Starting cornerback Dane Jackson has suffered a significant hamstring injury that could sideline him for up to six weeks.
- Starting safety Xavier Woods has a more serious groin injury than initially anticipated and will be out for at least a couple of weeks.
Yes, but: The Panthers received some positive news regarding running back Chuba Hubbard's knee injury, which is not as severe as initially feared.
- Initial tests on Hubbard's knee showed promising results, indicating that he may not miss significant playing time.
What to watch: With the absence of Jackson and potentially Woods, the Panthers will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void in their secondary.
- Lamar Jackson, Troy Hill, Dicaprio Bootle, and D'Shawn Jamison are among the top candidates to start opposite Jaycee Horn at cornerback.
- The Panthers may consider pursuing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore if the price is right, as he remains unsigned after visiting the Minnesota Vikings.
What's next: The Panthers will continue to monitor the progress of injured players in their secondary and make necessary adjustments to their game plan.
- Ongoing communication with Justin Jefferson's representatives regarding his contract negotiation is crucial for the team to secure his long-term commitment.
The bottom line: Injuries to key players in the secondary pose a challenge for the Panthers as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team must find suitable replacements and adapt their defensive strategy accordingly to maintain a competitive edge.