Overview
- Claudin Cherelus wore the green dot in practice and called defensive plays, a role that has boosted his standing against Trevin Wallace for the Panthers' MIKE/inside linebacker job.
- Pro Football Focus gave Cherelus a notably higher preseason grade than Wallace, which strengthens the argument that Cherelus is earning early preference for the starter’s role.
- Trevin Wallace also logged snaps in preseason action and remains in the competition, but coaches have highlighted Cherelus’s communication and physical style when explaining selection factors.
- Special teams coordinator Tracy Smith named several punt and kick return candidates, said Jonathon Brooks has shown promise returning from two ACL tears, and indicated Trevor Etienne appears likely to lead the return unit.
- A heated practice skirmish between Luke Fortner and Mike Jackson after a hit on Brooks prompted coach Dave Canales to tell players not to back off, and the team is managing availability issues for Derrick Brown, Rob Hunt and Damien Lewis that will shape final roster decisions.