After a disappointing showing in their second preseason game of the summer this past Saturday, the Carolina Panthers got back to Charlotte for practice this afternoon.
Here are the top takeaways and observations from Monday's installment of training camp . . .
The new guy has arrived
Carolina made the addition of tight end Darren Waller official on Monday. The former Pro Bowler signed his one-year deal this morning, before appearing at his first practice later in the day.
Waller did not fully participate with the team during the session, as he was seen working off to the side.
Head coach Dave Canales, who told reporters that Waller was in "great shape," was asked if the 33-year-old will be participating in Wednesday's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"I don't think so. Not in that setting," Canales replied. "It's a pretty combative type of deal—the joint practice.
"Chance that he goes out for indy [individual work], just to get he and Bryce [Young] throwing some and doing that. But we gotta see how he recovers from the work today. We got after him pretty good today."
Along with Waller's signing, the Panthers also announced that they've waived two players—offensive lineman Joshua Gray and outside linebacker Nick Hampton.
Planning for Jacksonville
Waller may not be locking up with the Jags, but much of the rest of the team will be.
"The joint practice—they're gonna get a good load," Canales said of his starters. "We've been working with Coach [Liam] Coen, Shane Waldron—one of my friends from Seattle—we've been going back and forth, just making sure we throw a great practice and hit some different situations.
"And then, the plan is to play 'em all in the game, too. And then, of course, it just depends on how we come out of today, how we come out of tomorrow, to see where guys are at."
The joint practice with Jacksonville on Wednesday will be followed by a preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium on Friday.
All eyes will be on Carolina's starting offense, which disappointed in their outing against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. The unit went three and out on each of their three drives—gaining just 12 plays on nine plays.
Injury updates
Canales provided injury updates on a handful of players, including wide receiver Ja'seem Reed—who did not participate in today's session. Reed, per Canales, injured his calf and will be undergoing imaging.
Outside linebacker Cam Gill also missed practice with a shoulder injury, but is expected to suit up against the Jaguars on Friday.
Rookie quarterback Haynes King, who injured his hamstring in the Hall of Fame Game two weeks ago, is not expected to play on Friday in Jacksonville.
Top observations
Panthers in full pads on a day when the heat index is in the upper 90s.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 17, 2026
Message being sent? pic.twitter.com/j8O6ixd6kk
Darren Waller not in uniform. He has been assigned number 35. Would think that would be temporary. pic.twitter.com/CGvK55brdF
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 17, 2026
No pads for CB Will Lee. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 17, 2026
My view from this stiflingly hot #Panthers padded practice. Some initial attendance notes:
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 17, 2026
—Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis, Derrick Brown and Pat Jones all here (all missed Saturday’s preseason game)
—Rookie CB Will Lee not practicing
—Darren Waller working off to the side pic.twitter.com/nK9WyvmQFp
New #Panthers TE Darren Waller off to the side doing short sprints on his first official day with the team.@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/Fz8xk1z6x8
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 17, 2026
#Panthers Bryce Young ➡️ JT Sanders@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/V41r6LwJ8v
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 17, 2026
TMac. pic.twitter.com/19rt44pOpm
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 17, 2026
Albert Reese (RG) and Jake Curhan (LG) getting guard reps with Chandler Zavala at center… #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 17, 2026
First period of 11 on 11 for the #Panthers this afternoon, more run focused.@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/CpP2BNgBMk
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 17, 2026
Excellent throw by Young to the sideline to TMac over Akayleb Evans. #Panthers
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) August 17, 2026
Xavier Legette had a pass bounce off of him in team. Robert Rochell nearly intercepted.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 17, 2026
Another period of 11 on 11 for the #Panthers this afternoon.@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/XHbKrUyCpN
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 17, 2026
A third! #Panthers WR Jalen Coker reaches out for a one-handed grab. What a catch. S Nick Scott screams in disappointment after that one. https://t.co/4guInHR5SX
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 17, 2026
Final series of team for the #Panthers during today’s practice. Solid job by the defense to finish the series and keep the offense out of the end zone.@CSLonQCN#KeepPoundingpic.twitter.com/tUWqtLPcXy
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 17, 2026
#Panthers playmakers Tetairoa McMillan and Jonathon Brooks celebrate a PAL touchdown here. Always a fun way to punctuate a training camp practice. https://t.co/OpO1cVJex2pic.twitter.com/zIJ7H2XPzI
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 17, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 training camp tracker: Top takeaways and observations from Day 13