CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard picked a fight with second-year linebacker Trevin Wallace.
Jaycee Horn continues trash-talking wide receivers.
When asked about the players’ on-field feistiness during the 2025 NFL training camp’s opening week, coach Dave Canales said: “I love it.”
Well, most of it.
Horn did attempt an ill-advised celebratory punt after executing a “beautiful interception” during Wednesday’s practice, Canales said.
The sophomore coach threw up his hands.
“We can’t do that,” he said.
The second-year coach also wants the players to avoid spinning the ball near a defender following a reception, as tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders did.
“These are penalties,” Canales said.
For a franchise that has not qualified for the playoffs since 2017, Canales said he hesitates to make any moves that could harness the enthusiasm. He offered advice.
“Let a dominant play be dominant,” he said. “Let it speak for itself. My thing to them is they have the green light to show us who you are. If some things get out of sorts, I’ll talk to the guys about it.
“We want to be a smart football team.”
Outside of the few mishaps, Canales acknowledged his affection for the training-camp competitiveness.
“I kind of like it,” he said with a grin. “I like the edge, the back and forth, but we have to be smart.”
#Panthers coach Dave Canales addresses all of the extracurricular, post-play activities the players have engaged in during #NFL training camp: “I love it … be smart” … pic.twitter.com/FQUEAdcAF3
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 30, 2025
Bryce Young Shines During Practice
Quarterback Bryce Young endured a rough NFL baptism.
He was under constant pressure as a rookie in 2023 and rebounded last season with a strong second half, following a Week 3 benching, lasting five games.
Young’s resurgence remains vital to the Panthers’ contending for the NFC South title or remaining a league afterthought. During Wednesday’s practice, Young completed 11 of 14 passes, three touchdown passes, and zero interceptions during the final team drill.
“I mean, guys just being where they’re supposed to be,” Canales said. “We’re still working through some timing things, some void throws, different little tweaks to routes. But the guys are being where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be there. That’s first and foremost. If you’re gonna be a skill player in the pass game, be where you’re supposed to be so Bryce can count on that.”
#Panthers QB Bryce Young walks on the field before Wednesdays #NFL training camp practice .. pic.twitter.com/VKD48FRREX
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 30, 2025
QB Andy Dalton Snaps At Position Change
As the players warmed up for Wednesday’s practice, backup quarterback Andy Dalton decided to display his lingering long-snapping skills.
During one snap, which Dalton short-hopped, Young attempted a punt rush, half-jogging with his arms raised. He walked away disappointed after the attempt failed to materialize.
Young yelled over to Jensen as he walked away to continue warming up with his position group.
On his final long snap, Dalton stepped forward and stretched out his arms like he wanted to block the entire line.
Jensen, who often plays QB during warm-up drills, was asked Wednesday if Dalton was auditioning to take his job after 17 years and a club-record 260 games.
“I’m going to take his,” Jensen joked.
Is #Panthers backup QB Andy Dalton (14) auditioning to take JJ Jensen’s job? The 17-year #NFL long snapper/practice QB didn’t sound threatened, saying: “I’m going to take his” … pic.twitter.com/qsgX0y1s33
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) July 30, 2025
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