The Carolina Panthers came to camp with a different level of intensity and passion on Tuesday. This marked the team’s first padded practice in this installment of camp. With all the extra collisions, the Panthers may have paid a heavy price. According to the local media, there are six takeaways from this morning’s training camp practice.
1. A cool day at camp – August is normally a hot month in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Today, the team got a reprieve from the heat with an unusually cooler, cloudier day. Coming into practice, coach Matt Rhule wished for rain, because there’s nothing better in the world than football in the rain. With the weather and the addition of pads, the Panthers got a taste of realistic football weather in the fall and also the risk of injuries.
2. Limitations on Shaq Thompson and A.J. Bouye – Two players were wearing red no-contact jerseys. Linebacker Shaq Thompson left practice early Saturday with tightness in his lower extremities and was limited Monday. Cornerback A.J. Bouye “pulled something” according to coach Rhule. Both were wearing no-contact jerseys in Tuesday’s practice. There is no confirmed update on Bouye’s injury, but the injury does not sound serious enough to keep him out long-term. Myles Hartfield has been taking Bouye’s snaps while he recovers.
3. Will Grier worked with 2nd string – After a sub-par performance on Monday by the quarterbacks, the Panthers made changes in their lineup. Sam Darnold’s main backup P.J. Walker normally works with the second- string players, but Tuesday it was a different story. Third-stringer Will Grier got an opportunity to move up to backup quarterback. Monday, Walker overthrew a ball badly that was intercepted by rookie standout Jaycee Horn. Darnold was also intercepted twice.
4. Ian Thomas giving it his all – Tight end Ian Thomas is feeling the pressure to perform and execute the plays as well as his other teammates are this season. He is generating positive buzz, which is good news. Thomas caught a nice pass from Sam Darnold on the first team drill rep, for a first down. His production has been underwhelming since he was selected in the 4th round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In order for him to keep his place on the team, Thomas will have to prove to the coaches that they will be able to utilize him in their passing attack.
5. Keith Kirkwood left in an ambulance – The first practice with pads is normally a bit more violent than usual and this padded practice was no different. Today’s practice was described as “spirited” by the press. Unfortunately, things got a little out of control. Backup safety JT Ibe took an unnecessary shot at wide receiver Keith Kirkwood in mid-air. Kirkwood went down for an extended period of time and eventually left the field in an ambulance. Coach Rhule sent Ibe home. Last season, Kirkwood was put on the shelf for 15 games due to collarbone injuries. The good news is he was observed moving his upper and lower extremities. Ibe’s chances of making the Panthers opening day roster were already slim, he may have just sealed his fate.
6. Darius Clark also injured – Kirkwood wasn’t the only player who left the practice with an injury. Undrafted rookie running back Daruis Clark walked off the field with the Panthers training staff shortly after practice resumed. He was later carted off as well. Clark is vying for one of the last few running back spot on the team, along with Rodney Smith and Spencer Brown. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help his cause.
