Panthers 2026 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Day 8
· Yahoo Sports
The Carolina Panthers hit the practice field on Tuesday, for their final training camp session before kicking off preseason play later this week.
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Here are our top takeaways and observations from the outing . . .
Avoiding another major injury
Wideout Xavier Legette had his day ended during seven-on-seven drills. The third-year receiver came down hard on his head and back when attempting a catch in the back of the end zone, and was carted off after being tended to by trainers.
According to head coach Dave Canales, Legette has since been cleared of a concussion.
"Went in, evaluated him. Cleared him of concussion, but looks like a stinger," Canales told reporters. "So, we're gonna evaluate him over the next day or so and just make sure that he's in the right spot."
Carolina has already been dealt two major blows in camp with the knee injuries to outside linebacker Nic Scourton and rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. Both Scourton (ACL tear) and Brazzell (LCL tear) will be out for the entirety of the 2026 campaign.
Luckily in this case, Legette seems to have skirted a major setback.
TE is TBD
The same may not be said for tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders, who also made an early exit due to an injury.
Per Canales, Sanders is being looked at for an ankle issue.
"Yeah, it looked like an ankle—and he wasn't able to finish," Canales stated. "But he had a great day. So we'll evaluate him and see where he's at."
Controlling the energy
About midway through the session, Canales huddled the team together to inspire an uptick in tempo. Well, a scuffle would eventually ensue in what became a rather chippy practice—particularly on the defense's end.
Canales had to remind his players about the importance of control.
"None of that helps us," he said. "It throws us out of the rhythm of practice. We're trying to get these guys in game shape. And certainly on game day—you throw a punch, you're out. You're out of the game and that hurts the team when only having so many guys.
"We were able to regroup and finish the drive. Got another seven or eight plays—or something like that—to finish down in the red zone. Love the effort, love the energy—all that stuff. But we gotta be smarter with some of that stuff."
The brouhaha involved running back Chuba Hubbard—who, per multiple reports, threw a punch at defensive lineman Bobby Brown II. Hubbard also threw Brown's helmet, as the two were separated from one another.
Top observations
My view of the final #Panthers practice before their first preseason game of 2026. No pads today.
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 4, 2026
Also, still no starting left guard Damien Lewis, who is still out with a calf injury. pic.twitter.com/ZGU7mbdAqM
No eyes on Derrick Brown right now pic.twitter.com/vvqzjRd6Ga
— Danielle Stein (@Danielle_Stein9) August 4, 2026
Xavier Legette leading the group out for receiver drills pic.twitter.com/XGRSOGxtf3
— Danielle Stein (@Danielle_Stein9) August 4, 2026
Tetairoa McMillan has been taking the last rep of these receiving drills all camp. #Panthers QB Bryce Young always jumps in to deliver that last pass to him. pic.twitter.com/MDZ3tz6bQv
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 4, 2026
The Fridge.#Panthers#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/Yd5f0vV1X2
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Jimmy Horn just made an impressive one-handed grab vs. air in individual route drills. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2026
Panthers are in shorts and helmets today. And I don’t think Dave Canales is liking the intensity. Just called the whole team up for some words.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 4, 2026
First rack of 11 on 11 this morning for the #Panthers.
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Dave Canales blew practice dead after this rack of plays and huddled the entire team up. Don’t think he was too pleased with the intensity/execution during the period.@CSLonQCNpic.twitter.com/oFCLt9b96j
#Panthers Bryce Young not too pleased to begin 7 on 7.
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Period begins with a “coverage sack” then he proceeds to chuck the ball at the equipment storage facility on the side of the practice field.
Haynes King to Ja’seem Reed is automatic. King should be told to throw to Reed more, unironically. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2026
In 7-on-7 drills, #Panthers QB Bryce Young throws a deep fade ball to Xavier Legette. He comes down with it, but lands hard. Very hard.
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 4, 2026
Lingers on the ground. Music stops. Team is taking a knee. XL still on the ground getting looked at by trainers.
Xavier Legette is being carted to locker room. Players and coaches are dapping him up.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 4, 2026
#Panthers Bryce Young with a dime to Jalen Coker for a 30 yard TD to begin the second period of 11 on 11.@CSLonQCN#KeepPounding
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Second round of 11 on 11 for the #Panthers this morning.
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Strong connection between Young & Coker to start, defense had the upper hand towards the end.@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/ER3hNj65gH
Brycen Tremayne with an excellent diving catch for a touchdown in the corner of the end zone of a throw from BY9 in 11s. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2026
Ja’seem Reed, playmaker.
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Hauls in a diving catch on a go ball from Kenny Pickett for a TD in 11s.#Panthers#KeepPounding
Devonta Smith picks off a “he chose poorly” throw by Haynes King against immediate pressure in 11s. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 4, 2026
Recap of the third period of 11 on 11 for the #Panthers this morning.@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/H3tVKCX2zG
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
And we have our first scuffle of the day. Looks like Chuba Hubbard and Bobby Brown III got into it after a run play.
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 4, 2026
Hubbard appeared to throw a punch then threw Brown’s helmet backwards several yards.
And we just now had another. Luke Fortner and Lee Hunter go to the ground on…
No pads, but defense doesn’t seem to care. Very aggressive play today.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 4, 2026
Practice ends with Bryce Young making an off-platform touchdown pass to Chuba. But defense had the upper hand during team drills.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 4, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Day 8