Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young may not get the entire preseason off after all.
After going through pre-game warmups, Young and most of the offensive starters shed their gear and watched the opening two preseason games, both losses, from the sidelines. Over the past few weeks, Panthers rookie head coach Dave Canales and the coaching staff balanced the threat of injury with the privilege of the newcomers gaining in-game experience together.
Starters to Play in Preseason Finale After Panthers Trade for Defensive Help
Panthers HC Dave Canales ‘Loves’ Opportunity in Preseason Finale
Canales rested 32 regulars versus the host New England Patriots on Aug. 8 and 38 against the visiting New York Jets last Saturday. After meeting with staff members Wednesday, Canales determined he wanted to see the first offensive unit during Saturday’s 1 p.m. ET contest at the Buffalo Bills (1-1). Ten of the Panthers’ 17 regular-season games will begin at that time.
“This is a great opportunity to go through their pre-game routines with each other, to have the communications on the sidelines as we go into the first drive there and just gather information, talk, this is how it’ll feel like,” Canales told reporters following Thursday’s practice. “So, I love this opportunity for the guys and they’re excited about it.
“I hope all starters are playing.”
@Panthers @NFL football … pic.twitter.com/TwtWPYwm7i
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 21, 2024
One defensive prospect will not play Saturday as Michael Barrett was traded to the Seattle Seahawks for cornerback Michael Jackson.
Bryce Young Seeks 2nd-Year Rebound
Young earned just two wins during his 16 rookie starts. The 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick struggled with interior protection and a receiver corps that failed to generate consistent separation from defensive backs. He compiled an NFL-low 73.1 passer rating. If Young starts Saturday and plays the Panthers’ opening series or two, it would be his first in-game experience with Canales’ offense.
That would interest fans considering it’s been the primary focus of the NFL franchise’s offseason. The Panthers produced a league-worst 265.3 yards per game last season.
“My hope is to get the starters out there early in the game, give them some exposure,” Canales said. “And the importance of it to me, is how valuable the night-before prep is.
“Waking up in the morning, we have a one o’clock kick. We got a lot of those this year. So just the body readiness. The plan behind this camp was to practice early so that we can have that readiness going into the season where most of our kicks are one o’clock.”
Backup quarterback Andy Dalton, who returned to practice last week after sustaining a training camp quadriceps injury, could also see their first preseason snaps this summer. The veteran’s health will be monitored leading up to the kickoff.
From one undersized @NFL player to another, @Panthers QB Bryce Young talks about rookie LB Michael Barrett’s practice impact … pic.twitter.com/oz03nqls1P
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 20, 2024
“I would love to see him play,” Canales said. “So, he’ll be really probably a day-to-day decision there.”
Panthers Trade Rookie LB Michael Barrett For CB Depth
After getting hit with a rash of injuries and striking out on landing former Panthers cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the free-agent market, general manager Dan Morgan triggered a trade, landing a potential starter opposite Jaycee Horn.
The Panthers on Thursday acquired Jackson from the Seahawks for Barrett, a fringe player fighting for a spot on the regular-season roster.
With Dane Jackson (hamstring) out at least six weeks, the Panthers remained open to restocking the top of the CB depth chart. A six-year veteran, Michael Jackson also dressed for the Detroit Lions and Patriots, compiling 112 career tackles with 19 passes defended and one interception.
Competing for time on one of the Panthers’ strongest position groups, Barrett also attempted to break through on special teams. His Pro Football Focus rating of 81.6 against the Jets topped all Carolina defenders.
Asked about Barrett’s roster chances Wednesday, Canales said: “Michael Barrett has done everything we’ve asked of him. This is a really good football player that’s why he’s here.”
@Panthers rookie LB Michael Barrett executes a tackling drill during Tuesday’s @NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/vCycfOFZwQ
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 20, 2024
It’s likely why Morgan was able to flip a fringe seventh-round draft pick for an established veteran at a position of need.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
