Panthers HC Dave Canales details plan for TE Darrren Waller moving forward

As expected, don't expect to see the newest Carolina Panthers tight end on the practice field this Wednesday. Head coach Dave Canales chatted with reporters following Monday's outing of training camp, and touched on the outlook on Darren Waller—who officially signed with the team this morning. He was asked about the plan for the former Pro Bowl pass catcher moving forward. "Right now, it's just—where is his base level of fitness at?" Canales replied. "He had a great day at RTP [return-to-play], we just started him that way, got him tired, 117 index today—so perfect day for that. "We'll get him a day to recover, we'll ramp it up a little bit more before we throw him out there in the mix." Waller was present at the facility this afternoon, but worked off to the side. Canales was then asked if Waller will be participating in Wednesday's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. "I don't think so. Not in that setting," he stated. "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." After retiring from the game in the summer of 2024, Waller returned with the Miami Dolphins for the 2025 campaign. He'd go on to record 24 receptions for 283 yards and six touchdowns over just nine games. Waller also took the lectern this afternoon, and talked about keeping in what Canales described as "great shape" in the lead-up to this opportunity. "Last year, going into camp, my first thought of playing football was mid-June, late-June," Waller said. "But as soon as the season ended last year, I was like, 'I'm getting started the day after the Super Bowl.' And doing everything that's necessary throughout that whole process—week in, week out." The Panthers and Jaguars will follow up their joint session with a preseason matchup on Friday, at 7:30 p.m. ET from EverBank Stadium. Waller seems unlikely to suit up for that contest as well. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales details plan for TE Darrren Waller moving forward