Panthers head coach Dave Canales is preparing his team for the conditions they will face in their regular season opener in Jacksonville. On Saturday, the team conducted its longest practice session yet amid rising temperatures and humidity.
With temperatures reaching the low 90s by 11 a.m., the Panthers implemented two heat breaks during practice. Players were encouraged to use cooling trailers, misting fans, or find shade to manage the heat. The athletic training staff provided cold towels, drinks, and snacks to help players stay cool.
Canales himself took advantage of these resources as well. “I’m trying to encourage the guys to utilize the resources, so if I go in there first, then they’ll all follow,” he said.
The Panthers expect high temperatures for several more days and plan to return from their Sunday off with full pads on Monday. Canales emphasized that such practices are crucial for assessing player performance under challenging conditions.
“It also tells us a lot about our players,” Canales noted. “There’s another level; we call the pads the great equalizer.”
One standout performer was rookie Jimmy Horn Jr., who impressed during one-on-one drills against safety Trevian Thomas. Defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley praised Horn’s precision after he scored a touchdown during practice.
Horn has been demonstrating his ability not just with speed but also with skillful route running. “Credit to Jimmy Horn,” tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders remarked after practice.
After practice, players’ families joined them on the sidelines, allowing some downtime before returning indoors.
During a cooling break, center Austin Corbett requested a dry pair of shorts from equipment staff due to sweating issues affecting quarterback Bryce Young’s grip on the ball. Corbett explained, “That was for Bryce; that was not for me.”
Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan faced challenges from cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson during one-on-one drills. McMillan struggled against Jackson but found it valuable experience as part of his development process.
“TMac going against Mike Jackson…just makes him better at the line of scrimmage,” Canales commented during OTAs.
