The Panthers have finished another training camp practice. Today’s session was another 11-on-11 heavy program.
Here are four takeaways from the media.
Kaare Vedvik takes all the punts
Rookie punter Joseph Charlton has demonstrated a powerful leg at camp. However, he’s had a couple oh-boy moments by booting two punts over the side wall. Last week, the team added former Bills punter Kaare Vedvik off waivers. Today, he took all of the punts.
Most notable DNP was Tahir Whitehead, who walked in without pads midway through.
Also, Kaare Vedvik got a chance to punt during practice.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 25, 2020
This doesn’t necessarily mean that Vedvik will be taking the job and Charlton will get cut. It’s only one day and there’s still time for either to prove themselves. Charlton was still holding for Joey Slye in warmups.
A rough day for K Joey Slye
Speaking of Carolina’s new full-time kicker, Slye has had a strong training camp so far. He’s hit a speed-bump, though.
After getting overwhelmingly positive reviews for his work and sending the players home early on Saturday, Slye only connected on one of his five field goal attempts today.
Two special teams notes from practice:
Kaare Vedvik took all the punts. Joey Slye was 1 of 5 on field goal attempts.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 25, 2020
In his defense, one of them was blocked.
Again, this is only one practice so we can’t look too much into it. That said, consistency was the primary issue with Slye during his rookie season. We know he has the range to stick around in the NFL, but he needs to be able to shrug it off after missing a kick or two.
Lots of DNPs
The wide receiver corps has been hit hard by injuries at camp. Keith Kirkwood, Omar Bayless and Seth Roberts all did not participate in today’s practice. Tommylee Lewis was also spotted wearing a red jersey.
In related news, offensive lineman Tyler Larsen missed his second straight day with a calf problem, linebackers Marquis Haynes and Tahir Whitehead were out and cornerback Derrek Thomas left early.
More injury updates: OL Tyler Larsen also missing from practice (strained calf) after not participating yesterday. DE Marquis Haynes was not here after leaving practice early yesterday. DB Derrek Thomas left practice early.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 25, 2020
Not great.
On the bright side, the only serious injury the team has suffered so far is the knee problem for Bayless, which will require surgery. If he lands on injured reserve, his spot could go to one of the four wide receivers the team tried out on Sunday.
Two cornerbacks come through
Finally, there is some good news to share coming out of practice. Cornerback is the most precarious position on the roster. Two of them made plays today, though. Third-year corner Donte Jackson blocked one of Slye’s field goal attempts and rookie Troy Pride Jr. picked off a pass by Teddy Bridgewater on a two-point try.
CB Troy Pride picked off a pass on a two-point play, solid for him as he tries to make a positive impression in the CB competition. Donte Jackson had the play of the day on a FG block, though. Speed.
— Myles Simmons (@MylesASimmons) August 25, 2020
Coach Matt Rhule also praised Pride during his Monday presser, saying they like his demeanor and ability to line up outside or in the slot.
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