What happens in Vegas, apparently, lingers in Charlotte, N.C.
Following a “Victory Monday” and an off day Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers returned to work focused, preparing to face the winless Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. Coach Dave Canales lauded the players for not reflecting on their turnaround effort against the host Las Vegas Raiders, earning a 36-22 victory. Canales, however, had injuries to account for.
“It was just real, this real determination and focus to take the next step,” Canales told reporters following Wednesday’s workout. “This is a really focused group. I know, I keep saying that, but it really is. They have a real seriousness about the way they go about their work.”
As Canales continues to lay down a foundation of locker-room culture, the rookie coach said the team celebrated their first win of the season, after being outscored 73-13 in their first two outings, for “about 24 hours and then your focus has to go to the next opponent” and creating a Week 4 game plan.
This one will be done without wide receiver Adam Thielen and safety Jordan Fuller. Both starters suffered hamstring injuries and were placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four weeks. Guard Damien Lewis (elbow) remains questionable.
#Panthers coach Dave Canales opens Wednesday’s #NFL presser … pic.twitter.com/QtHW9m5FVS
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 26, 2024
Young WRs Move Up On Panthers’ Depth Chart
With Thielen shelved, Mingo moved up to WR2 and Legette to WR3. Canales expects them to carry the momentum they established in Vegas to the Carolinas.
During a 0-2 start, the Panthers’ offense performed with little purpose under Bryce Young. The 2023 first-overall draft pick registered a paltry 3.2 yards per pass, creating boos by the fans for consistently throwing behind the sticks against the Los Angeles Chargers. Andy Dalton earned the Vegas start and became the first quarterback to compile a 300-yard, three-touchdown game this season.
Thielen played a big role, hauling in a 31-yard TD with 28 seconds left in the first half, giving the Panthers a 21-7 lead. The 14-year veteran suffered the injury on the play.
Canales is now turning to the younger receivers, like rookie Xavier Legette and second-year professional Jonathan Mingo. Undrafted rookie Jalen Coker earned his first spot on the 53-man roster.
They have big shoes to fill, especially with Thielen (out),” Canales said. “The way he works, the way he goes about his job every day. This is a great opportunity for Xavier, Mingo, David Moore (and) Jalen Coker, who we brought up to the 53. Who can add a spark to the pass game as we continue to develop together?
“All the guys got to be ready to step up.”
#Panthers rookie WR Xavier Legette projects to have a bigger #NFL role with Adam Thielen injured … pic.twitter.com/NYWJ3uqKum
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 26, 2024
Panthers Preparing For Anything Along OL
With Lewis’ status “kind of up in the air,” Canales said Chandler Zavala will start if needed. The second-year guard spent most of Wednesday’s practice working out with the first unit.
Lewis will attempt to participate in limited drills Thursday and Friday.
“We’re trying to just push him and kind of see what we can get out of him,” Canales said.
A key free-agent addition, Lewis has helped fortify the interior of the offensive line. Zavala appeared in 13 games as a rookie, including seven starts.
“Chandler’s a guy that brings power inside,” Canales said. “The thing that we’re trying to build, this offensive line inside out. And so I’m really excited to see Chandler step in and have this opportunity.”
With Hurricane Helene approaching, Panthers grounds crew members started prepping Bank of America Stadium for Sunday’s #NFL game vs. #Bengals … pic.twitter.com/xe0NQtOZSG
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) September 26, 2024
Main Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
