South Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — With one preseason game remaining, the Panthers plan to field their starters against Buffalo. Offensive coordinator Dave Canales confirmed this intention, though he noted that the specifics regarding the number of snaps or drives per starter remain fluid.

Defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley emphasized the importance of game reps before Week 1 but expressed flexibility in approach. "I think it's player to player," Cooley said on Thursday. "Like in L.A., we didn't play any of our guys during the preseason. Last year (here in Carolina) we played our guys during preseason. It's mainly the process getting them ready to go on September 8th."

Safety Jordan Fuller views playing in the preseason as an opportunity to prepare for Week 1. "It's a little dress rehearsal, another opportunity to get on the grass and have fun," Fuller stated. "It helps you shake off for Week 1 if that makes sense...getting those jitters out of the way, it'll be beneficial for all of us I think."

While most starters are expected to play Saturday, some may see limited action due to health concerns. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson missed practice on Thursday due to illness. "He felt sick," Canales said. "So we just wanted to make sure we quarantine him a little bit...and then we'll go day by day."

Tight end Tommy Tremble has recently returned from a hamstring injury and is being closely monitored. "We have him on a pitch count for these practices," Canales revealed after Tremble left Thursday's practice early.

Receiver Adam Thielen was seen with a calf wrap at practice, which Canales attributed to an injury sustained during joint practice with the New York Jets last week.

Offensive lineman Yosh Nijman participated lightly in Thursday's practice and remains on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list but is making progress.

The playlist during Thursday's practice session sparked varied reactions among players and coaches. Fuller diplomatically commented, "I wasn't completely tapped into the playlist...it started off hot." Cooley noted that songs from early to mid-2000s provided motivation but lamented that they are now considered "old."

Canales has encouraged players' input on music choices but mentioned his own preferences when it's his turn: Hawaiian reggae or upbeat tracks from artists like David Guetta and Steve Aoki.