Tag: robert hunt

Panthers DT Shy Tuttle remains out of practice on Thursday

A foot injury has kept DT Shy Tuttle out of practice for the second consecutive day.

The Carolina Panthers probably won’t have another one of their opening-day starting defensive linemen in Week 3.

Nose tackle Shy Tuttle remained out of practice on Thursday due to a foot injury. The 28-year-old defender, who is in his second season with the Panthers, was also a non-participant for yesterday’s session.

Line mate A’Shawn Robinson, however, did return to the practice field after also sitting Wednesday out. Robinson (knee) was listed as a limited participant.

Carolina is already without Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn meniscus.

Here is the full injury report from the afternoon:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP Limited
DL Shy Tuttle Foot DNP DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP Full
TE Feleipe Franks Personal DNP Full
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited Full
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited Full
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited Limited
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
CB Lonnie Johnson Thigh Limited
S Nick Scott Neck Limited

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Panthers hold out 3 defensive starters from Wednesday’s practice

Panthers starting defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson and Shy Tuttle were out of practice on Wednesday due to injuries.

Taking away Pro Bowler Derrick Brown for the rest of the season seemingly may not be enough for the injury bug—as it’s now come for the rest of the Carolina Panthers’ starting defensive line.

A’Shawn Robinson (knee) and Shy Tuttle (foot) both missed Wednesday’s practice, the first ahead of the team’s Week 3 visit to see the Las Vegas Raiders. Outside of Brown, Robinson and Tuttle, the Panthers are currently carrying three other defensive linemen on their active roster (Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray and Jayden Peevy) and two on their practice squad (DeShawn Williams and T.J. Smith).

Starting outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney was also held out. But, as was the case last Wednesday, the 11th-year veteran was just taking a rest day.

Here’s the full injury report from the session:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
DL A’Shawn Robinson Knee DNP
DL Shy Tuttle Foot DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Rest DNP
TE Feleipe Franks Personal DNP
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited

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Best and worst PFF grades from Panthers’ Week 2 loss to Chargers

Once again, QB Bryce Young finished with the worst offensive grade for the Panthers.

The Carolina Panthers gave us some more of the same here in Week 2. Sunday’s home opener, like last week’s regular-season opener, yielded a punchless performance—leading to a 26-3 loss at the hands of the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

Their outing also led to some more of the same from Pro Football Focus.

Here are the best and worst grades from the latest defeat:

Best of the offense

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

1. RG Robert Hunt: 74.1
2. TE Jordan Matthews: 69.8
3. RT Taylor Moton: 67.1
4. RB Miles Sanders: 67.0
5. RB Chuba Hubbard: 65.7

Both Hunt, who finished in the top five last week, and Moton didn’t allow a single pressure.

Hubbard led the offense with 64 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Worst of the offense

Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

12. WR Jonathan Mingo: 52.3
13. LG Damien Lewis: 51.6
14. WR Xavier Legette: 51.1
15. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: 42.1
16. QB Bryce Young: 38.8

Young ends up at the very bottom for the second straight game, passing for a career-low 84 yards and an interception. His 32.6 grade last week and his 38.8 grade this week account for second- and third-worst PFF marks of his career.

Best of the defense

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

1. FS Jordan Fuller: 74.1
2. CB Jaycee Horn: 69.5
3. CB Mike Jackson: 65.7
4. ILB Shaq Thompson: 65.4
5. DT Jayden Peevy: 58.6

Horn bounced back after being on the butt of a 29-yard touchdown pass to wideout Quentin Johnston in the first quarter. He allowed just five more receiving yards the rest of the way out while picking up his first interception of the season and three stops.

Worst of the defense

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

12. OLB Eku Leota: 49.4
13. DE A’Shawn Robinson: 46.2
14. DT Nick Thurman: 45.4
15. DE LaBryan Ray: 43.1
16. OLB Jadeveon Clowney: 30.5

Clowney was tied for a team-high two pressures, but was charged with a pair of catches for 30 yards.

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Panthers Week 2 injury report: 5 players questionable for home opener vs. Chargers

A handful of Panthers are listed as questionable for Sunday’s home opener against the Chargers.

The Carolina Panthers have a handful of question marks entering their home opener this weekend.

Friday’s injury report, the final listing ahead of the Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, deemed five players as questionable for Sunday. Those players include running back and return specialist Raheem Blackshear (personal), tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back), starting right tackle Taylor Moton (knee), starting right guard Damien Lewis (groin) and punter Johnny Hekker (back).

Head coach Dave Canales, however, told reporters following today’s practice that he expects all of the questionables to play.

Five others were down without injury designations for the contest. That bunch included veteran wideout Adam Thielen, who was a full participant despite being added to the report this afternoon.

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP Limited Full Questionable
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP Limited Full –
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited Limited Limited –
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited Limited Limited Questionable
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited Full Limited –
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited Limited Limited Questionable
RB Raheem Blackshear Personal DNP DNP Questionable
OT Taylor Moton Rest/knee DNP Limited Questionable
ILB Josey Jewell Groin Limited Limited –
WR Adam Thielen Shoulder Full –

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Panthers add starting ILB Josey Jewell to injury report on Thursday

The Panthers added three players to their injury report on Thursday, including ILB Josey Jewell.

The Carolina Panthers added a trio of new faces to their Week 2 injury report on Thursday. Only one, however, could be a cause for concern.

Starting inside linebacker Josey Jewell popped up on this afternoon’s listing with a groin issue. The seventh-year veteran was down as a limited participant for today’s practice.

Jewell’s addition was joined by that of offensive tackle Taylor Moton and running back/return specialist Raheem Blackshear. Both absences, however, were not injury-related—as Moton received rest and Blackshear was away due to personal reasons.

In a bit of good news, three players received a bump in their statuses—offensive tackle Yosh Nijman, outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and punter Johnny Hekker.

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP Limited
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP Limited
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited Limited
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited Limited
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited Full
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited Limited
RB Raheem Blackshear Personal DNP
OT Taylor Moton Rest DNP
ILB Josey Jewell Groin Limited

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Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 2 opponent: Panthers

Here are some important things to know about the Panthers ahead of the Week 2 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are on the road to face the Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 2 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Offseason rebuild

After finishing 2-15 last season, a new coaching staff and front office members were brought in. Dave Canales is in his first season as head coach for the Panthers. Canales spent his first 13 seasons with the Seahawks (2010-22) in various offensive roles before serving as the offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers in 2023.

Bryce looking to bounce back

The Panthers selected quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Young’s rookie season wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as he completed just 315 of 527 pass attempts for 2,877 yards, 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He only surpassed 200 passing yards in just five games. In the season opener last Sunday against the Saints, Young did not look much improved as a passer, completing 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. Even with an upgraded receiver room, with Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette, Young still struggled to connect with them, overthrowing them on a few throws.

Defense was dominated

The Panthers bolstered their defense in the spring, signing defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, linebacker Josey Jewell, edge defender Jadeveon Clowney, cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Jordan Fuller. Despite the additions, the product on the field was nothing to write home about. The Saints put up 47 points on the scoreboard. New Orleans scored on every one of its first nine possessions of the game. Carolina gave up 379 total yards, 180 of which came on the ground.

Star defender out for the season

The Panthers will be without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 1. The anchor of the defensive front, Brown just signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension this offseason. Brown is coming off a career year in which he amassed 103 tackles and 15 for loss.

Look out for…

Offensive lineman Robert Hunt. Usually, a skill player would be slotted here, but I’m highlighting the 100-million-dollar man. Previously with the Dolphins, Hunt has proven himself as one of the best right guards in the NFL. It will be a fun matchup in the trenches between him and Poona Ford and Otito Ogbonnia, who are both coming off dominant performances.

Panthers TE Tommy Tremble returns to practice on Wednesday

After missing Sunday’s opener, Panthers TE Tommy Tremble returned to the practice field this afternoon.

The Carolina Panthers really could’ve used some good news after learning that they’ve lost Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown for the season. And fortunately, they got a little light on Wednesday.

Starting tight end Tommy Tremble, who missed Sunday’s regular-season opener due to a hamstring injury, returned to the practice field this afternoon. In addition to Tremble, the 47-10 loss did not feature fellow tight end Ian Thomas—one of nine Panthers currently on an injured reserve list.

In Tremble’s place was rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders, who received the starting nod in his NFL debut. The 2024 fourth-round pick recorded one catch for four yards.

Carolina, however, did not have outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) and punter Johnny Hekker (back) down as participants for today’s session.

Here is the first injury report of the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers:

Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game status
P Johnny Hekker Back DNP
OLB Jadeveon Clowney Ankle DNP
G Robert Hunt Shoulder Limited
G Damien Lewis Groin Limited
OT Yosh Nijman Tibia Limited
TE Tommy Tremble Hamstring/back Limited

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Breaking down film from the Panthers’ Week 1 loss to Saints

Was Panthers QB Bryce Young really that bad in Week 1? Kind of. But a review of the film shows some promising developments.

The Carolina Panthers entered this year’s regular-season opener with expectations of growth and improvement under new head coach Dave Canales. And while those prospects could still be on the horizon, they were nowhere to be seen in their humiliating 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

From the broadcast, everything looked out of shape in all three phases—and the team’s second-year quarterback, Bryce Young had one of his worst games as a pro. That, obviously, doesn’t give the fan base confidence moving forward.

But what it really that bad?

Let’s search for some context from the defeat by taking a deep dive into the All-22 game film . . .

What to take away from Carolina’s defensive performance

Although it’s expected that they’re going to take a step back in pass-rushing production, the Panthers defense was in line to improve against the run—especially with the additions of defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson and inside linebacker Josey Jewell.

Instead, New Orleans ran all over Carolina’s defensive front—posting 180 rushing yards at 4.9 yards per attempt. They also got passed on from get-go:

To make matters worse, Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown tore his meniscus during the contest and will now miss the remainder of the season. Losing Brown for the year could turn this trench into the worst in all of football.

Even with him, the group was blown off the line of scrimmage far too often—as the Saints offensive line won with superb leverage, hand placement and drive.

But despite the dreadful run defense, there were a couple of positives . . .

Cornerback Mike Jackson had a satisfactory game. He gave up a few catches here and there, but was sturdy overall. He made excellent tackles from coverage depth, showing adequate change of direction to redirect and make plays downhill. 

Outside linebacker Eku Leota also impressed, perhaps certifying himself as the team’s temporary No. 2 pass rusher opposite of Jadeveon Clowney.

I came away intrigued with his explosiveness and underrated power at the point of contact. Leota displayed these traits in several reps against first-round offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga, tallying three tackles for loss and the sack shown in the post above.

Offensive line shows improvement in steady showing

General manager Dan Morgan made a concerted effort to add protection around Young with the big-money additions of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. And despite their quarterback’s struggles, the unit itself displayed progress and overall growth as a unit.

This is going to be a good run-blocking offensive line. On most run plays, the bunch was generating movement and pushing Saints defensive linemen four to six yards back—using good hip torque and power at the point of attack. They created good lanes for running backs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders to hit.

As a wrinkle, backup Brady Christensen was used as an eligible player lined up as a tight end or halfback as an extra blocker. I appreciate Canales for being creative and getting him on the field.

In pass protection, this group was solid. There were, however, some moments of miscommunication, especially when it came to the nickel blitzes. That’s why cornerback (yes, cornerback) Alontae Taylor finished the afternoon with 3.0 sacks.

Bryce Young had a bad day, but it wasn’t absolutely horrible

We all know Young had a bad game, but I don’t believe it was as terrible as some make it to be. 

He had some very rough misfires, including on his two interception—toward the deep crosser of Diontae Johnson and the scramble drill to Adam Thielen from the deep curl concepts, respectively. 

There were also some instances where he missed open receivers on backside reads, showing that he may have been fully overwhelmed. (But the Saints played excellent defense Sunday—and based on my interpretation of this game, that group could’ve shut down anyone.)

Young wasn’t given enough check-down outlets, especially on some of the deep pass game concepts that were run and the second pick he threw where the middle of the field was empty. That would allow for a more seamless chunk play on third-and-17.

There were some plays where he had “NFL open” outlets, but was unable to connect. The former No. 1 overall selection had a couple of instances where his targeted receiver didn’t show enough effort to get to the ball. 

On the positive side, Young displayed solid pocket navigation. A number of those throws were well-placed with timing and anticipation with him finding spots to pick versus zone coverage. Plenty of his incomplete passes were true throwaways due to coverage as well.

Young must improve going forward. There is no question that he is now on the hot seat.

While it is unlikely that the Panthers bench him and go with Andy Dalton, who may not be a better option anyway, the former Heisman Trophy winner must play with more calmness. The next 16 games will be crucial to his evaluation as Carolina’s franchise quarterback.

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Best and worst PFF grades from Panthers’ Week 1 loss to Saints

Panthers QB Bryce Young was saddled with the second-worst PFF grade of his career.

As painful as this may be—let’s give it a go, shall we?

Here are the best and worst Pro Football Focus grades for the Carolina Panthers from their horrendous season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints:

Best of the offense

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

1. LG Damien Lewis: 80.0
1. TE Feleipe Franks: 80.0
3. RG Robert Hunt: 79.5
4. C Austin Corbett: 71.7
5. RB Mike Boone: 69.0

Well, at least those investments on the interior offensive line paid off right away.

Only one pressure was attributed to the trio of Lewis, Hunt and Corbett. Each earned a pass-blocking grade of at least 84.6.

Worst of the offense

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

15. QB Andy Dalton: 53.3
16. TE Jordan Matthews: 47.5
17. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders: 47.4
18. WR Jonathan Mingo: 45.2
19. QB Bryce Young: 32.6

Young brings up the rear after one of the stinkiest showings of his NFL career. He completed 13 of his 30 passes for 161 yards and two errant interceptions.

Best of the defense

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

1. DE A’Shawn Robinson: 73.0
2. SS Xavier Woods: 71.5
3. DT Jayden Peevy: 70.8
4. OLB Jadeveon Clowney: 69.5
5. CB Mike Jackson: 65.1

Robinson, another free-agent signing from this spring, also played well in his Panthers debut. He, as did Woods, recorded a pair of stops.

Worst of offense

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

13. MLB Josey Jewell: 48.7
14. DE Derrick Brown: 47.7
15. DT Nick Thurman: 46.2
16. NT Shy Tuttle: 29.5
17. FS Jordan Fuller: 28.0

Fuller, in his first outing for Carolina, was charged with five receptions for 116 yards on five targets.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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