RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
After chalking up their second victory of the preseason in Jacksonville on Friday, the Carolina Panthers returned home and took the field for their penultimate practice of training camp this morning.
Here are the top takeaways and observations from Monday's session . . .
State of the backfield
Head coach Dave Canales provided an encouraging update on starting running back Chuba Hubbard, who has been sidelined for a little over a week due to a hamstring injury. Canales told reporters that he expects Hubbard to be ready for Carolina's season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 13.
He also gave a little insight into how the Panthers will use Hubbard and fellow back Jonathon Brooks come Week 1.
"Yeah, we'll definitely roll it out just the way we have been—where you have a lead back for the series, the other guy comes in on third down so they can be in there for the protection," Canales stated .
"And also, we run the ball on third down. So those are good opportunities to just keep a guy into the game while the other person—whether it's Chuba or JB, we'll make that decision when we get closer. But whoever the lead guy for the base downs is, they'll get the bulk of that rhythm."
Brooks started in place of Hubbard in the past two exhibitions, rushing for 23 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.
A boot of concern?
Canales didn't have as great of an update on wide receiver Xavier Legette, who continues to deal with foot soreness.
"His foot's still sore," he said . "He's in a boot. We're gonna him in a boot 'til Thursday, take that off, then we'll ramp him up over the weekend to get him ready for that practice we have on the bye week—before the Chicago week."
Legette did not appear in Friday's preseason win over the Jacksonville Jaguars .
Plans for the preseason finale
The Panthers will welcome in the Houston Texans for a practice on Wednesday, followed by the preseason finale on Friday. Canales did not rule out the idea of playing his starters at the end of the week, but hinted that a good showing in the joint workout could cap off the summer for that group.
Meanwhile, both quarterback Haynes King (hamstring) and tight end Darren Waller are not expected to suit up at Bank of America Stadium. King is still hampered by a hamstring injury and Waller, although sharp in practice, won't be ready to go after joining the team just one week ago.
Down the stretch
Carolina is still trying to decide on who will start next to inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. The competition has seen 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace match up against fourth-year vet Claudin Cherelus.
"Yeah, they're head to head. It's back and forth, and it's neck and neck," Canales said of the battle . "Again, I've talked about this before, but these are guys who aren't just teammates—these are friends. And they understand that, they understand what they're up against.
"We could use 'em both, and we're gonna need them. The nature of the position, it's a violent spot. And both of the guys can help us on special teams as well. So we'll have to make that decision as we get closer."
Wallace started in each of his 12 games in 2025 before a shoulder injury cut his campaign short.
Cherelus recorded a career-high four starts last season.
Top observations
My view of #Panthers practice today. Attendance notes: —TE Darren Waller (#35) is practicing —WR Xavier Legette on the bike; won’t be practicing —CB Will Lee is back —Still no QB Haynes King; his status for preseason finale in question —“Crank Dat” is on the speakers in 2026 pic.twitter.com/Eukob3IFuY
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 24, 2026 First connection of the day between #Panthers Bryce Young & Darren Waller. @CSLonQCN #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/mlQbTgoy8R
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 24, 2026 More Waller individual reps. pic.twitter.com/50sFK8sOr6
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 24, 2026 #Panthers defensive linemen going through drills. Cam Jackson in a red no-contact jersey. pic.twitter.com/k6QgUrTBg8
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 24, 2026 Rasheed Walker locks out Pat Jones. pic.twitter.com/5NRInLDRJv
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 24, 2026 Jaelan Phillips bulls Monroe Freeling. pic.twitter.com/ZC2qc4fG51
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 24, 2026 Jimmy Horn just scored in seven on seven … and celebrated by doing a front flip.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 24, 2026 Zakee Wheatley pick in 7s vs. Bryce Young and first team. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 24, 2026 Feleipe Franks with a phenomenal over the shoulder catch off a pass by Kyle Trask in 11 on 11. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 24, 2026 #Panthers QB Bryce Young 11s series just now: —Run left Jonathon Brooks —Scramble left Bryce Young —AJ Dillon nice run left —Collapsed pocket, BY sack Nice job by defense.
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 24, 2026 Tre’von Moehrig blitzed through the line, Bryce Young fired a shot through TMac’s hands and Will Lee made a diving pick but there was a flag in 11 on 11.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 24, 2026 Corey Thornton makes a practice-ending pick on a throw from Pickett. Thornton dove to haul it in. Probably his best play of camp. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 24, 2026 Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Day 15
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