Both Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford and UFC 291 may be going down tonight, but we got a little bit of combat during the third outing of Carolina Panthers training camp this afternoon.
Here are the top takeaways and observations from the start of “Back Together Weekend” on Saturday:
Bryce Young and DJ Chark keep building the deep ball
Despite failing to connect on his fist bump with a youngster, the Youngster did connect with Chark for yet another long reception. This is now the fourth time in three practices the two have linked up for a deep ball.
Nice throw by Bryce Young. Better catch by DJ Chark. pic.twitter.com/krVr30ur2u
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 29, 2023
Bryce ➡️ Chark pic.twitter.com/L9KAgeLwZu
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 29, 2023
Marquis Haynes Sr. sits with back injury
Haynes Sr. did not participate in today’s session. Head coach Frank Reich told reporters that the sixth-year linebacker should be back soon:
“Marquis had a little bit of a back issue. He’s fine. We’re just being [cautious]. He should be fine. Prognosis is good and, hopefully, get him back out here soon.”
The first fight goes down
Reich also spoke about the team’s first brouhaha of the summer, one where offensive tackle Larnel Coleman and linebacker Jordan Thomas engaged in a shoving match. And while he’d rather not see much of it again, Reich acknowledged that it is what it is:
“I’m not really lookin’ for any of that. I’m not tryin’ to manufacture the emotion. It happens sometimes. And for us out there, right, it’s like, ‘ho-hum.’ It’s gonna happen at some point. But really, the energy and enthusiasm and the grit and the fight really has to come within.
“So, I think our guys have been doing that. When you have those moments there, you just move on and you stay focused.”
Laviska Shenault Jr. knows it's "bag year"
Shenault Jr., who could be a special piece to the Panthers offense this season, is entering the final year of his rookie contract. So, he knows what time it is:
“I’m just doin’ what’s been asked of me and, of course, I had to train harder this offseason. Because I know what’s comin’. So I gotta be prepared . . . in every way possible.”
. . . and so does CJ Henderson
Henderson, like his fellow former Jaguar-turned-Panther in Shenault Jr., is also on the last season of his deal—and he feels a little extra motivation after having his fifth-year option declined back in May:
“Just prove to myself I can stay consistent and work at the things I need to work on. It’s contract year, it’s big for me. They declined the fifth, but it’s not the end of the world. Keep working and moving forward.”
Notable observations
Bryce Young walked in to Back Together Saturday practice with a fan pic.twitter.com/IKCeeIbXVy
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) July 29, 2023
Wholesome moment of the day – Simon helping @BigIck79 carry his helmet out for Back Together Saturday! #Panthers | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/HI1SZ8FnLK
— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) July 29, 2023
Had a little help today 🕷️ pic.twitter.com/g2TGIdiIV8
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 29, 2023
Great crowd so far and many others still walking in for Back Together Saturday in Spartanburg. pic.twitter.com/MbuqyElx0e
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 29, 2023
Nice throw by Bryce Young. Better catch by DJ Chark. pic.twitter.com/krVr30ur2u
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 29, 2023
CJ Henderson stays with Damiere Byrd in 1 on 1 and picks off an underthrow by Dalton. Excellent route wasted.
Keith Taylor with an impressive Mutombo-like swat against Jonathan Mingo on an out route on the next play. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2023
11v11 – Bryce is picked off by Shaq Thompson who made a heck of a play.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) July 29, 2023
Friendly fire: Shaq Thompson celebrates a pick six, punts the ball straight into Brian Burns. Burns clearly wasn’t expecting that, but don’t worry he got up, he’s OK.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) July 29, 2023
Johnny Mingo with a high, finger tips catch on an out route between Shaq Thompson and Xavier Woods. Ball from Bryce. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2023
Panthers UDFA Josh Vann (@GamecockFB) has made a pair of nice grabs on vertical routes today.
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) July 29, 2023
A list of things we love to see:
🔹this
🔹this
🔹this pic.twitter.com/wMCz1YHp7E— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 29, 2023
Tommy Tremble with an excellent catch off a pass from Young, who found the TE between coverage from Jeremy Chinn and Xavier Woods. Tight ends are getting fed today.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2023
Coleman and Thomas just shook hands with Shaq Thompson serving as a mediator of sorts.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 29, 2023
Vonn Bell has been relentless in this practice. He’s had three PBUs across various competitive drills. Nearly picked off Young on a throw from Bryce to Thielen in 11 on 11. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2023
Bryce Young bounces back with a pair of darts over the middle to Tremble and Marshall. Second one was really impressive as he stood tall around pressure to fire to TMJ. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) July 29, 2023
That’s a wrap. Bryce Young was 10-15 passing during team drills with an interception..
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 29, 2023
Panthers players having to run after practice. This is different. Unsure if fight has anything to do with it. pic.twitter.com/fY4BFsu7og
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) July 29, 2023
