Panthers Locker Room in Turmoil! Rumors Claim Ryan Fitzgerald Furious Over Dave Canales’ Shocking Decision

The Carolina Panthers’ preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns is making headlines — but not just for the scoreline. According to unverified reports swirling across social media and fan forums, rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald is allegedly furious with head coach Dave Canales over a controversial in-game decision that may have sealed the team’s 30–10 defeat.

Sources claim tensions erupted after Canales opted to pass up a makeable field goal attempt in the third quarter, instead going for an aggressive fourth-down play that ultimately failed. Fitzgerald, who had already converted a 32-yard field goal earlier in the game, was reportedly frustrated at being sidelined in a situation tailor-made for his role. The Panthers’ momentum stalled, and the Browns capitalized, pulling away on the scoreboard.

Fans didn’t hold back online. Twitter (X) lit up with accusations that Canales’ decision “wasted” Fitzgerald’s reliability, denying him a chance to showcase his leg strength under pressure. Some even suggested that had Fitzgerald been given the opportunity to add points, the Panthers might have stayed in contention longer.

While neither Fitzgerald nor Canales has addressed the rumors publicly, the speculation has only added fuel to the ongoing roster battles in Carolina. As a rookie trying to cement his place as the team’s primary kicker, Fitzgerald’s preseason opportunities are crucial — and any perceived lack of trust from the coaching staff could spark further tension.

If these reports hold any truth, the Panthers could be dealing with more than just preseason growing pains — they could be staring at a locker room rift before the regular season even begins. For a franchise seeking stability under a first-year head coach, this is the last kind of distraction they need.

One thing is certain: Panthers fans will be watching closely. Will Canales adjust his approach to fully trust Fitzgerald’s kicking ability, or will this rumored frustration become one of the NFL’s first big dramas of the 2025 season?