Black and Blue Review
- QB Cam Newton: Took a kick to the shin midway through practice and returned wearing a shinguard. That + plus ankle + plus no Kelvin Benjamin + plus rain = a sloppy day for Newton.
- QB Derek Anderson: Had been having a pretty good camp, but rough day included two interceptions.
- FB Mike Tolbert: Again seemed to line up deeper on kickoff return and again brought out a kick after catching it in the end zone. Head coach Ron Rivera said afterward Tolbert’s role on the unit hasn’t changed, so he’ll likely only get to showcase his return skills during practice.
- WR Kelvin Benjamin: Spent most of his day under the tent and on a bike. Ditched the sleeve he had on his leg Tuesday and was walking fine.
- WR Brenton Bersin: With Benjamin out, took a number of snaps with the ones. His rise hasn’t been a mirage, but playing against real competition will be his first true test.
- WR Tavarres King: Second straight practice where he’s stood out. His Tuesday highlight was a one-handed grab in the end zone. Did have a bad drop near the end of practice.
- WR Marvin McNutt: Made his first notable play of camp, snagging a red zone touchdown from Newton.
- WR Jerricho Cotchery: Caught red zone touchdown from Newton, but the duo’s timing is still a bit off.
- WR Marcus Lucas: Starting to see some reps with higher rotations. Didn’t make any big plays, but spent a lot of time talking with receiver’s coach Ricky Proehl.
- WR Kealoha Pilares: First in line during kick returns. Other guys included RB Kenjon Barner, WR Tiquan Underwood and WR Philly Brown. Also slipped past CB Charles Godfrey to haul in a long pass from Newton.
- WR Philly Brown: Took a few reps with the ones during the first team session.
- DE Wes Horton: Held out again with a groin injury.
- DE Craig Roh: Held out again with a sore ankle.
- LB Thomas Davis: Lost an earring, which was likely a bit pricey. Davis was joined by as many as seven Panthers’ staffers in his search. At last check, the earring was still MIA.
- LB A.J. Klein: Starting to work his way into more reps with the ones.
- CB Bene Benwikere: Would have turned his red zone interception of Anderson into a pick-6. With Godfrey struggling, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the rookie get a few more reps as the No. 1 nickel back.
- CB Antoine Cason: Seems like he picks off at least one pass per practice. His Thursday interception came off Newton early in the first team period.
- CB James Dockery: Intercepted Anderson passed intended for Lucas on an out route.
- CB Josh Norman: Missed his fifth straight practice with a hamstring injury. Rivera is hopeful he’ll be able to return in time to play in the preseason opener.
- S Thomas DeCoud: Missed second straight practice with a sore knee. Rivera called it a “hot spot,” similar to what Benjamin is dealing with.
- S Tre Boston: Sat out after tweaking his groin in his first practice Tuesday.