Carolina has multiple players ready to return from injury and one player stepping up with expanded role
“It’s all about weekly improvement.” That was the mantra echoed by Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales during his latest press conference. As the Panthers gear up for their next matchup, Canales offered insight into the team’s mindset, player readiness, and areas of growth.
1. Jonathan Brooks Shines Ahead of Sunday’s Game
Canales praised running back Jonathan Brooks, who has shown consistency in practice. With Miles Sanders sidelined, Brooks is expected to carry a significant workload alongside Chuba Hubbard. “I’m just hoping to see him play confident, play fast, and capture the style of football he’s used to,” Canales said. Brooks’ ability to adapt to a more prominent role could be crucial for the Panthers’ offense this week.
2. Amaré Barno’s Return Bolsters Defense
After a long recovery journey, Amaré Barno made a strong impression in practice. Canales commended Barno’s resilience, noting that the line backer moved smoothly and took substantial reps. “It’s about the comfort level of the workload,” he explained. The Panthers will assess Barno’s readiness for extended snaps, knowing his return could enhance their defensive depth.
3. Cade Mays Steps Up at Center
With Austin Corbett injured, Cade Mays has stepped into the starting center role. Mays will continue to start against the Chiefs. Canales talked about Mays’ stout performance against elite competition like Dexter Lawrence, emphasizing his ability to maintain consistency in both run and pass assignments. “There was no drop-off from an assignment standpoint,” Canales stated, highlighting the importance of depth in the offensive line.
As the Panthers strive for improvement, Canales remains focused on building a cohesive and disciplined unit. With young players stepping up and veterans leading by example, Carolina aims to capitalize on this momentum.
Panthers fans, how do you feel about Canales’ strategy for weekly improvement? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and share this article to keep the conversation going!