Tag: Dave Canales

NFL insider: Teams on ‘high alert’ for Panthers WR Diontae Johnson

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes teams will keep tabs on the potential availability of Panthers WR Diontae Johnson.

Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson doesn’t really seem to be available to the NFL’s other 31 teams at the moment. But one league insider thinks that could change in a few weeks’ time.

ESPN senior reporter Jeremy Fowler hopped on the Saturday morning edition of SportsCenter to chat about a handful of receivers who could soon be on the move. Fowler brings up Johnson, and states that the former Pro Bowler will likely have a number of interested parties if the Panthers keep falling out of contention.

“Teams are at least on high alert here because they believe if the Panthers continue to struggle, they could be in seller’s mode,” he said. “And Diontae Johnson—only 28 years old, $7 million salary—fairly reasonable for a guy who can be your receiver 1, receiver 1A.”

Well, he’s certainly been that for Carolina—especially since quarterback Andy Dalton took over under center. Johnson, in the last two games, has reeled in 15 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

And that may be part of the reason why the Panthers want to hold on to Johnson.

“My job is to do the best thing, to put the best 11 guys out there to win. That’s my job as the head coach,” head coach Dave Canales said on Wednesday when asked about the trade speculation surrounding Johnson. “And the guys we have, we love the guys and the development and progression that we have. So, I don’t see that happening.”

So, at least for now, it’s not happening.

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Panthers QB Andy Dalton, with nothing to lose, is making the most out of his latest opportunity

In just a few weeks, Panthers QB Andy Dalton has gone from a backup to an exciting starter with nothing to lose.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales had himself a difficult decision to make under center following his team’s 26-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. Would he keep rolling with struggling second-year passer Bryce Young or see what 14th-year veteran Andy Dalton could do?

Well, he chose the latter—giving the 36-year-old another opportunity to run an NFL offense. And now, in the final season of his two-year pact with Carolina, Dalton is making the most of it.

Canales’ choice has undoubtedly proven to be the correct one. That was evident right from the jump in Carolina’s 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, when Dalton became the very first quarterback of the 2024 season to pass for both 300 yards and three touchdowns in a single game—and in his very first start, no less.

The Panthers offense displayed a semblance of a vertical passing game for the first time in years. That also allowed Canales to establish the run as a play-caller with running back Chuba Hubbard, who now has two consecutive games of at least 100 rushing yards.

Heading into this weekend’s game against the Chicago Bears, Dalton has been playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL. According to Next Gen Stats, he has recorded has the second-most yards (331) on quick throws (under 2.5 seconds). And this is translating on the game film with Dalton, who is getting to outlets quickly and providing fast answers against pressure.

Furthermore, Dalton has done a great job of manipulating defenses with his eyes and allowing deeper route concepts to come open. He has played on time and in rhythm, which is how Canales wants to run his offense.

On a grander scheme, Dalton’s early performance is an exciting instance of a quarterback letting it loose with nothing to lose. He’s in the final year of his contract and his career isn’t exactly guaranteed to continue past 2024.

And that’s dangerous.

Dalton’s vibes are even translating in losses. The Panthers may not have knocked off the Cincinnati Bengals in his second start in Week 4, but they remained competitive—a big step forward for a team that didn’t have a prayer of climbing out of the smallest holes just last season.

Although some fans will want to see Young back in the saddle at some point, the Panthers are Andy Dalton’s team until it isn’t. He is the starting quarterback, and is actually giving this team a chance to win.

Canales and general manager Dan Morgan have zero interest in how good their draft positioning for next April is at this time. Their main focus, of course, is to stack up victories and establish their culture for a franchise that desperately needs one.

So as long as Dalton keeps shooting, get used to seeing red under center in 2024.

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Panthers WR Diontae Johnson talks about recent trade speculation

Panthers WR Diontae Johnson was asked about being the topic of recent trade speculation.

You can tell the thirsty fans of any receiver-needy teams that Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson is just focused on being Carolina Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson.

With the Panthers sitting at 1-3 and trade deadline about a month away, the former Pro Bowl pass catcher has been linked to a number of the league’s contenders. And—to be fair to those thirsty fans—it kinda makes sense, right?

Not only is Carolina looking to build for the future, but Johnson is set to become a free agent at season’s end. So will the Panthers really pony up for 28-year-old on an expensive extension or look to sell him off for a useful draft pick or two?

Well, he was asked about the trade speculation on Wednesday . . .

Johnson certainly is locked in with the Panthers right now. Over his past two games, he’s collected 15 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

Head coach Dave Canales, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of Johnson to the offense, was also asked about the chatter this afternoon.

“My job is to do the best thing, to put the best 11 guys out there to win. That’s my job as the head coach,” Canales told reporters. “And the guys we have, we love the guys and the development and progression that we have. So, I don’t see that happening.”

If we’re interpreting that correctly, it’s time to shift that speculation elsewhere, folks.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales is asked about trade speculation on Diontae Johnson

Panthers WR Diontae Johnson has been popping up as a popular trade target for the NFL’s contenders. HC Dave Canales was asked about that speculation today.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales doesn’t seem too interested in running a farm system for the NFL’s 31 other teams.

With the league’s trade deadline about one month away, the annual rumor and innuendo about wheelin’ and dealin’ has begun. And some of that chatter has wrangled in Panthers wideout Diontae Johnson, who is being linked to receiver-needy contenders by your usual suspects in the media.

But Canales, who was asked about the speculation surrounding Johnson, shot that idea down rather definitively on Wednesday.

“My job is to do the best thing, to put the best 11 guys out there to win. That’s my job as the head coach,” he told reporters. “And the guys we have, we love the guys and the development and progression that we have. So, I don’t see that happening.”

He does, however, see Johnson suiting up for the team in Week 5—despite him being included on today’s injury report with an ankle issue.

“Absolutely,” Canales replied when asked if he expects Johnson to play against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. “We’re gonna get him out there and run him around and make sure he’s ready to go.”

Johnson, who was dealing with a groin strain last week, did not practice this afternoon.

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Panthers designate 2 players to return to practice from IR

TE Ian Thomas and CB Dane Jackson, both of whom began the regular season on IR, are set to return to practice.

The Carolina Panthers are entering Week 5 with a couple of reinforcements.

As announced on Wednesday morning, the team has designated two players to return to practice from injured reserve—tight end Ian Thomas and cornerback Dane Jackson. Thomas and Jackson have yet to play this season due to calf and hamstring injuries, respectively.

Head coach Dave Canales spoke about the possibility of at least a few players rejoining the team at practice from injured reserve earlier this week.

“Yeah, expecting Dane [Jackson], Jaden [Crumedy], Ian Thomas to get out there, be back on the practice field,” Canales told reporters on Monday. “Get a new set of eyes on these guys. We talk about competition all the time, and I love what it brings to our group—just being able to get out there, play fast, guys who are excited to get back to football.

“But again—they gotta be out there, they gotta handle the load. Still, with all that timing, they haven’t been on the field with us running our plays and all that. So this is a great opportunity for those guys to get rolling and for us to get a look at them.”

Thomas and Jackson now have 21 days to be activated to the main roster.

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Panthers waive CB from active roster on Tuesday

The Panthers announced the departure of a cornerback on Tuesday.

Perhaps some reinforcements are coming a bit earlier than expected for the Carolina Panthers.

The team announced on Tuesday that they have waived cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields. The 25-year-old defender was one of six waiver claims made by the Panthers prior to the start of the 2024 regular season—a haul that also included offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston, linebackers Jon Rhattigan and Jamie Sheriff and fellow corners Shemar Bartholomew and Keenan Isaac.

Castro-Fields has played a total of nine snaps for Carolina this season. All of those looks came on special teams between Weeks 1 and 2.

His departure may signal some good news for cornerback Dane Jackson, who started the season on injured reserve. Head coach Dave Canales mentioned Jackson as one of three players who are expected to return to practice this week.

“Yeah, expecting Dane, Jaden [Crumedy], Ian Thomas to get out there, be back on the practice field,” Canales said on Monday. “Get a new set of eyes on these guys. We talk about competition all the time, and I love what it brings to our group—just being able to get out there, play fast, guys who are excited to get back to football.

“But again—they gotta be out there, they gotta handle the load. Still, with all that timing, they haven’t been on the field with us running our plays and all that. So this is a great opportunity for those guys to get rolling and for us to get a look at them.”

Jackson, who was signed this past spring, entered the summer as the favorite for Carolina’s second starting cornerback role. That spot has since been taken over by Mike Jackson.

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Panthers sign rookie LB back to practice squad on Tuesday

With injuries to both of their starting middle linebackers, the Panthers signed back a familiar face on Tuesday.

Since they’re suddenly quite little in the middle, the Carolina Panthers brought back a familiar face at linebacker on Tuesday.

As announced this afternoon, the team has signed rookie Jackson Mitchell to their practice squad. Mitchell, who initially joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent this past spring, spent the offseason as a member of the roster.

Mitchell’s return follows the news of this past Sunday’s injuries to starting middle linebackers Shaq Thompson and Josey Jewell. Thompson tore his Achilles tendon in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and will be out for the remainder of the season while Jewell is expected to miss some time with hamstring and groin issues.

Head coach Dave Canales talked about the long-term loss of Thompson yesterday.

“I’m just sick for Shaq,” Canales told reporters. “A guy that really just cares so much and plays with so much passion. A vocal leader. Somebody’s who had my back through this process as I get my feet underneath me as a first-time head coach.”

To make room for Mitchell on the practice squad, the Panthers released cornerback Azizi Hearn.

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Panthers expecting 3 players to return to practice this week

Panthers HC Dave Canales said he’s expecting a trio of players to return to practice this week.

Monday was a rather sobering day for the Carolina Panthers, who will be forced to deal with a couple of more difficult injuries.

First, the team learned that they’ll have to finish the 2024 campaign without captain and longtime linebacker Shaq Thompson—who tore his Achilles tendon in yesterday’s 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. They also found out about a setback to their other starting inside ‘backer, as Josey Jewell could be down for a couple of weeks due to hamstring and groin issues.

But some much-needed reinforcements could soon be on the way

After filling the media in on Thompson and Jewell this afternoon, head coach Dave Canales was asked about this week’s availability of the players who began the season on injured reserve.

“Yeah, expecting Dane [Jackson], Jaden [Crumedy], Ian Thomas to get out there, be back on the practice field,” Canales replied. “Get a new set of eyes on these guys. We talk about competition all the time, and I love what it brings to our group—just being able to get out there, play fast, guys who are excited to get back to football.

“But again—they gotta be out there, they gotta handle the load. Still, with all that timing, they haven’t been on the field with us running our plays and all that. So this is a great opportunity for those guys to get rolling and for us to get a look at them.”

With four weeks now in the books, players who began the campaign on injured reserve are eligible to return to practice. Once they are officially back on the practice field, the Panthers will have 21 days to return them to the active roster.

If they are not added to the active roster within that 21-day window, they are no longer eligible to play for the remainder of the season.

Along with Jackson, Crumedy, Thomas, other notable Panthers who are on the shelf include rookie running back and second-round pick Jonathon Brooks as well as outside linebackers D.J. Wonnum and Amaré Barno.

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Panthers LB Josey Jewell expected to miss Week 5 due to hamstring, groin injuries

In addition to losing Shaq Thompson for the rest of 2024, the Panthers are also expecting to be without Josey Jewell for at least one week.

The middle of the Carolina Panthers defense will be missing more than just its captain this week.

After confirming the news of Shaq Thompson’s season-ending Achilles tear, head coach Dave Canales provided a not-so-encouraging update on his other starting (and injured) inside linebacker—Josey Jewell.

“Josey had a hamstring and a groin pop up,” Canales stated on Monday. “So two things that he’s gonna be dealing with here for a couple of weeks. So we do not expect Josey to be up this week.”

Jewell made an early exit from yesterday’s 34-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The seventh-year veteran recorded 30 tackles and a fumble recovery over his first four games with the Panthers in 2024.

Canales was then asked about Jewell’s replacement for the upcoming matchup with the Chicago Bears.

“Yeah, Claudin Cherelus is gonna have a great opportunity to play some football for us,” he replied. “A guy that really took strides in camp, and a guy that we’re definitely looking forward to seeing out there to play football. For he and Trevin [Wallace] to start communicating and be able to work with the whole group.”

Cherelus played nine defensive snaps in the Week 4 defeat. He recorded two tackles.

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Panthers confirm season-ending Achilles tear for LB Shaq Thompson

Year No. 10 is officially over for Panthers LB Shaq Thompson.

Shaq Thompson’s 10th NFL campaign is officially over.

Multiple reports from early Monday afternoon indicated that the veteran inside linebacker sustained a tear of his Achilles tendon in yesterday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Carolina Panthers then confirmed the unfortunate development on Thompson, who will now miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

Head coach Dave Canales was asked what the loss of Thompson means for his team moving forward.

“I’m just sick for Shaq,” Canales replied during his presser on Monday. “A guy that really just cares so much and plays with so much passion. A vocal leader. Somebody’s who had my back through this process as I get my feet underneath me as a first-time head coach.

“And to have the support of veteran guys like this, that stand for the right things, people that I can talk to, people that I can ask to lead a charge for this thing or that thing that we’re looking to get more of. So a guy that stood for all those things—Panthers football all the way through and through.”

Thompson has played each of his 10 pro seasons for the Panthers, who selected him with the 25th overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. He’s since gone on to appear in 123 games for Carolina and has recorded the fourth-most tackles in franchise history.

Canales continued.

“And then, of course, he’s just a fantastic communicator and player,” he added of Thompson. “And so, again, just another blow for us. But another great opportunity for Trevin [Wallace], for guys to step up and to show what they have and how they can help Panthers football.”

The 30-year-old Thompson is slated to become a free agent at season’s end.

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