Panthers Tracks: Team falls short in first practice vs. Colts, training camp updates

The first big test for the Carolina Panthers is just days away. The team will face the Indianapolis Colts for the first preseason game Sunday.

This past week has been spent continuing to improve the team, with fewer intense practices ahead of the joint sessions with the Colts leading up to the game. The first one Thursday did not go great for the Panthers, especially for the offense.

The next few days will be pivotal for the Panthers. Three total joint practices are still to come — including two against the Baltimore Ravens — and then all three preseason games. Many of the position battles on this roster will come down to those performances. It will be the players’ last chances to stand out. Positions such as backup running back, returner and along the offensive line are still up for grabs.

Let’s get into the latest from camp.

TRIVIA!

1. Colts head coach Frank Reich is a former Panthers quarterback. What was his record as a starter in Carolina?

2. Former Panthers players Steve Smith Sr. and Dan Morgan spent some time talking at practice. How many seasons did the pair play together?

Breaking down Thursday afternoon’s practice.

Panthers have slow start to practices vs. Colts with much to improve on

Getting to know some Panthers players better off the field, from tight end Dan Arnold to the return of Christian Miller after he opted out and even Frankie Luvu’s story of loss.

Panthers have found the missing piece to their offense. Get used to hearing this name

Panthers linebacker sat out last year for risk of COVID. Now he’ll try to make the team

Fueled by the tragic loss of 2 close to him, this new Panther keeps pushing for greatness

Training camp is less than a week away from coming to a close. There have been some good days for the Panthers, and plenty of bad ones. Check out all of our observations from the past week:

Robby Anderson was turning heads at Panthers practice and has thoughts on new turf field

Panthers ratchet up intensity at training camp. Here’s who stood out Sunday

Panthers Fan Fest answers first questions about new turf field with lighter practice

Offense has improved day at Panthers training camp practice, fight breaks out

What do you need to know about this Panthers roster? There’s a new addition in linebacker Josh Bynes with the many recent injuries at the linebacker position. Plus, what questions do the Panthers still need to answer and who has stood out? Our analysis from training camp:

Panthers players who have stood out the most at every position in training camp

Sam Darnold’s performance and the 4 biggest questions facing Panthers in Indianapolis

Panthers’ starters on defense starting to gel. Let’s project Carolina’s depth chart

Panthers sign veteran linebacker who started every game last season

TRIVIA ANSWERS

1. 0-3 (1995)

2. Seven. Both were drafted in 2001.

This story was originally published August 12, 2021 at 4:55 AM.

Alaina Getzenberg

The Charlotte Observer

Alaina covers the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. Before coming to Charlotte, she worked at The Dallas Morning News and The NFL Today on CBS. Support my work with a digital subscription