Black and Blue Review
TUESDAY SIX-PACK
Don’t expect to see much of Cam Newton in Friday’s preseason opener.
Head coach Ron Rivera said his staff won’t make a decision until after Thursday’s practice about how much, or even if Newton will play against the Bills. The Panthers need to be cautious with their quarterback’s surgically repaired ankle, and a preseason game isn’t worth a setback.
Rivera added if Newton does play, it won’t be for more than two series and “I imagine it’d involve a lot of handing the ball off.”
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OBSERVATIONS
- Panthers owner Jerry Richardson made his first appearance at a camp practice this year. Like last summer, he drove a golf cart with sports broadcaster Jim Gray riding shotgun. Unlike last summer, NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West was not with them.
- Tuesday’s practice felt like a Monday. Whether it was the humidity or the players coming back from a day off, there didn’t seem to be a ton of energy coming from the field.
- Former Panthers LB Chris Draft watched practice. So did Jordan Gross and Travelle Wharton. The hosts of “This is Gross” on TWC walked around filming interviews with a mini camera.
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PLAYERS OF THE DAY
OFFENSE
WR Kelvin Benjamin again looked like the best player on the field not named Cam Newton. They won’t get to show off their connection much during the preseason opener, but it’s there.
DEFENSE
S Thomas DeCoud broke up a pass in the end zone intended for WR Jason Avant. He also helped in coverage when Newton had to throw out of bounds instead of to Benjamin — a rarity during camp.
