CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Enduring a travel day Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers are attempting to distance themselves from their NFL preseason-opening rout at home.
The Panthers are scheduled to engage in a joint practice with the Houston Texans on Thursday and their second of three exhibition games Saturday at NRG Stadium. The Panthers will attempt to rebound from Friday night’s 30-10 defeat to the Shedeur Shanders-led Cleveland Browns at Bank of America Stadium.
Panthers coach Dave Canales orchestrated two spirited, rainy training camp practices Monday and Tuesday. Here are some early-week highlights as Canales plans to play the No. 1 offensive and defensive units for at least one series Saturday:
#Panthers top 2 CBs, injured Jaycee Horn (hand) and Mike Jackson (2), worked out together on the side during Tuesday’s #NFL training camp practice .. pic.twitter.com/FJxMqQBPTM
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 13, 2025
Ja’Tyre Carter Getting Opportunity
As guard Damien Lewis continues to recover from a shoulder injury he suffered during last Wednesday’s joint practice with the visiting Browns, Ja’Tyre Carter received the start in the preseason opener.
The third-year professional yielded a sack that Canales declared was one of the worst displays of fundamental football against the Browns, but did enough to earn another start Saturday.
“He had a really good, really good night, you know, in the couple of series he played,” Canales said, adding besides the sack, “the rest of it was great anchor, movement in the run game.
“(I’m) excited to see JT and how he’s gonna respond.”
Lewis and backup guard Chandler Zavala (knee) were described as “week-to-week,” Canales said.
Can 3-year #Panthers G Ja’Tyre Carter (65) continue to show his potential to remain a top backup candidate to injured G Damien Lewis (shoulder) during Saturday’s #NFL preseason game at #Texans? … pic.twitter.com/G27L4E3azf
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 13, 2025
UDFA CB Corey Thornton Making Preseason Statement
Drawing the start versus the Browns, UDFA cornerback Corey Thornton likely cemented a spot on the 53-man roster, highlighted by dominating former Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson on one route.
With CB1 Jaycee Horn (hand) recovering from an automobile accident last week, Thornton likely will draw another start versus the Texans.
He ran opposite CB2 Mike Jackson during Tuesday’s practice.
#Panthers UDFA CB Corey Thornton (31), talking with fellow rookie Trevor Etienne before Tuesday’s #NFL training camp practice, continues to make a serious bid for a spot on the 53-man roster … pic.twitter.com/dE6iWAXG0R
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 13, 2025
Austin Corbett Named Starting Center
On Monday, coach Dave Canales announced the closure of one of the camp’s most contested position battles.
Austin Corbett earned the starting nod over the flexible Cade Mays. Corbett opened last season as C1, but his season ended after he suffered a biceps injury. Mays, who signed off the New York Giants’ practice squad, started eight of the final nine games last season.
Canales signaled the importance of Corbett and quarterback Bryce Young working together during the joint practice and game. Canales said that the move also strengthened the line’s depth.
“We have guys, we’re kind of blessed with guys who are pretty versatile,” he said. “Cade has played some guard this camp, mostly been center. We know Brady Christensen has played some guard in the past, so I think we have some versatility there.”
#Panthers quarterbacks work with the #NFL centers in unison … pic.twitter.com/vZooxJupc4
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 5, 2025
