The Carolina Panthers got Tuesday off to rest but they were back at it this morning in Spartanburg. The sixth practice of training camp just wrapped at Wofford.
Here are a few takeaways from today’s practice.
1. More business as usual for Cam Newton
Concerns about Cam Newton’s throwing shoulder coming into camp were understandable. It seems they may have also been unfounded. So far, Newton has only sat out to rest his arm once. Today was more business as usual for QB1.
Newton completed a couple of long balls, proving the shoulder is holding up so far. The first was to tight end Greg Olsen, who made a tough one-handed catch despite tight coverage from Donte Jackson.
Later as practice was winding down, Newton threaded a needle to wide receiver D.J. Moore on a deep post route for a touchdown.
Good stuff.
2. Referees in the house
Carolina brought in a few referees to call today’s practice. Veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith quipped he was glad to see them because of all the holding that’s been going on at camp.
The refs will apparently be around tomorrow, as well.
3. Injury updates
After sitting out Monday’s practice with a tight back, wide receiver Chris Hogan was back on the field today.
Hogan was seen fielding the majority of the punt returns.
In other injury news, offensive lineman Daryl Williams was also back in pads after getting a day off earlier in the week.
Williams has been getting first-team reps at left tackle, while rookie Greg Little mostly runs with the twos. Little did get some time with the starters during rushing drills, though.
Center Matt Paradis was also back in action.
Paradis suffered a fractured fibula in the middle of last season in Denver, but he appears to be ready to go for this year.
Offensive tackle Dillon Gordon was also out.
In part due to Gordon’s injury, the team is expected to bring in a few free agent offensive linemen today, according to the Athletic.
First-round pick Brian Burns was limping after special teams drills, but it did not appear serious.
At another point, linebacker Luke Kuechly left 7-on-7 drills and was spotted chatting with trainers and teammates off to the side.
We will have more on this as it develops.
Update:
After practice, coach Ron Rivera told the media Kuechly got caught in a pileup. He wanted to go back out there, but the team elected to be overly cautious.
4. Backup QBs bonding
The competition to be Cam Newton’s primary backup sounds like a friendly one. Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen and third-round pick Will Grier have all been arriving to practice together.
Today, they were overheard talking about their favorite football movies. Apparently, Grier is a fan of Adam Sandler’s “The Waterboy.”
On the field, it was Kyle Allen’s turn to run the second-string offense. He drew praise for a deep ball to Aldrick Robinson.
They had a chance at another one later, but Robinson dropped it.
5. Scuffle between Jared Norris, Elijah Holyfield
We have our first minor scuffle of camp to report. The Athletic observed undrafted rookie running back Elijah Holyfield get into it with veteran linebacker Jared Norris during pass protection drills.
Sounds like no big deal.
6. Ross Cockrell still getting starting free safety reps
One of the most interesting developments at camp the last few days has been the return and evolution of Ross Cockrell.
While Cockrell has played cornerback for his entire NFL career, since he came back over the weekend he’s been getting snaps at free safety, including some time with the starters. Today, that trend continued.
Rashaan Gaulden is also in the mix for this spot. He’s going to see time at nickel corner as well and got strong reviews for his work at both positions during today’s session.
The Panthers practice again tomorrow morning then host their annual Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium on Friday night.
