Before heading into joint practices with the New York Jets beginning on Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers did a bit of fine tuning this morning.
Here, headlined by the arrival of a new face and the potential arrival of a breakout campaign, are the top observations and takeaways from the tenth practice of training camp:
Justin Houston reports
The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher arrived in Spartanburg on Tuesday to make his deal official. To make it officially official, rookie defensive lineman Jalen Redmond was waived to clear up the 90th roster spot for Houston.
Justin is in the house, with his official bucket hat. pic.twitter.com/62ScTaGTM0
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 8, 2023
Frank Reich reveals Justin Houston's role
At 34 years old, Houston won’t be expected to regain that former All-Pro form. He also won’t be expected to play every down, as Reich noted:
“He’ll be a rotational player. I have no doubt—knowing him the way I do—that if we wanted to play him 60 plays a game, he’d be up to the task. But that won’t be likely. It’s a long season.”
Justin Houston reveals why he signed with the Panthers
So, why did Houston pick Carolina? Well, the answer is simple.
“Coach Frank,” Houston said. “It was simple. Coach Frank called. I knew right then—as soon as he called, I hung up the phone and told my wife we goin’ to Carolina. It was an easy decision.”
And here’s why it was easy:
“I trust him. He’s a stand-up guy. What you see is what you get, and he’s gonna be straight up, forward with you. He’s a guy that you can count on. And like I said, the biggest thing is trust. I wanted somebody I can trust.”
Damiere Byrd sustains "significant" hamstring injury
In some less exciting news from this morning, Reich confirmed that Byrd will miss quite a bit of time:
“Damiere’s hamstring is pretty significant. It’s pretty significant. It’s gonna be a while. Could require a procedure. So, we’re continuin’ to get him evaluated—which is a shame because he was lookin’ really good. Obviously, he’s put himself in good position, but this was an unfortunate injury.”
Reich added that Byrd’s recovery could be in the range of six to eight weeks.
Notable observations
Just loosening up the arm. pic.twitter.com/LwpsdLsL5Y
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 8, 2023
OLB Jordan Thomas not practicing today. Has a split on his thumb. WR Damiere Byrd (hamstring) still out also.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 8, 2023
Looks like Frankie Luvu and Taylor Moton are getting vet days.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 8, 2023
Justin Houston has arrived at Wofford. He’s not at Panthers practice but taking physical, per source.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2023
Feeling like Panthers TE Hayden Hurst has replaced WR Adam Thielen as Bryce Young’s favorite target. He opens team drills with consecutive throws to Hurst. Young finished 3-for-4 with a drop and a sack.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2023
Tommy Tremble stretches to make a nice snag of a Bryce Young pass in 7-on-7.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 8, 2023
Went 🆙 for it @_bryce_young x @TommyTremble pic.twitter.com/9I8bAR5V6G
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 8, 2023
New Panthers edge rusher Justin Houston is on the field in gray shirt and hat. pic.twitter.com/MKfBIXWhRN
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2023
Bryce Young connects with Terrace Marshall and Adam Thielen on multiple 7 on 7 intermediate throws
Fun: Jake Luton finally gets a 7 on 7 rep and LB Deion Jones breaks up the pass. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 8, 2023
Deion Jones looks locked in. Playing fast, making nice plays in pass game.
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 8, 2023
Andy Dalton with a deep shot to Terrace Marshall for a 30 yard gain in 11 on 11. Offense gives audible approval from their post behind the play. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 8, 2023
#Panthers WR Terrace Marshall is planting his flag as The Guy of the this practice. He’s made a handful of impressive plays in 7 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills. Speed and size are evident today and really since the fourth practice of camp (today is the 10th).
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 8, 2023
88 is having a damn day. https://t.co/ukbW3VbDaB
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 8, 2023
We’re practicing with @DWDanielHigh today 🏈
Stopped to check in on them! pic.twitter.com/n92NFUpZoX
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 8, 2023
Good day for Bryce Young. 12-18 passing. Terrace Marshall caught several passes from Andy Dalton with the second group.
Daniel HS from near Clemson practiced alongside on adjacent field.— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 8, 2023
