Aug. 20 Panthers Training Camp Highlights and Observations

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Here are some quick highlights of what happened Tuesday morning at the Carolina Panthers training camp practice that a select group of media were able to watch:

-Linebacker Shaq Thompson has tightness in a groin and was held out of practice today as a precaution and isn't believed to be anything serious. Head coach Matt Rhule said Thompson is day-to-day.

-While Rhule said that it's quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's show, he said the battle for backup quarterback is tight. He said PJ Walker had a better first week, but that Will Grier has caught up. He said the decision for the backup likely won't be made for another two weeks.

Will Grier
Will Grier Photo credit Brandon Todd/Carolina Panthers

-Panthers practiced a little longer than normal on Thursday.

-Speaking of the quarterbacks, Grier had some really nice deep passes that were right on target and in spots where only the receivers could catch them. He threw a back-shoulder pass deep downfield for a nice completion, and had a perfectly placed over-the-shoulder pass that dropped from the sky right into the hands of a receiver for a touchdown.

-It appears that Walker is continuing to struggle with his accuracy, no matter if the passes are short, medium or long.

-Bridgewater had some nice deep passes today, including a deep post that should've been a touchdown, but it was dropped.

-The team spent a lot of time working on special teams today. Punter Joseph Charlton looked good in live drills, but had a couple of bad ones while practicing off on a separate field. He had another one go off the side of his foot and over the wall that surrounds the field. But again, during live drills his punts looked solid.

-The Panthers cut newly signed and "Hard Knocks" star tight end Andrew Vollert in order to make room for defensive end Jalen Jelks. There is no word if Vollert uttered his now-famous phrase when told he was released just four days after being signed by Carolina. "You've got to be (effing) kidding me!"

-Panthers tight end Temarrick Hemingway wore a green jersey, which means he's cleared for non-contract drills. He had a head injury and was in the league's protocol.

Quote from Matt Rhule:

"I would just say it's day-by-day right now. I really like our team's toughness and work ethic. I really feel like this work everyone is just trying to figure everything out...It's still a little bit of a learning process but their work ethic and attention to detail is good so we can keep giving them new things. I think next week we'll really see guys settle down, get comfortable and take off within the scheme."

Rhule also told reporters after practice that right guard John Miller is exactly the type of guy he wants on this team and he fits the brand he is looking for.

He said second-year offensive lineman Dennis Daley has been starting at left guard with Michael Schofield and Chris Reed competing with him.

"We're building a brand here and I think right now as a team we keep building that brand and try to get better each and everyday on the practice field," -John Miller

John Miller
John Miller Photo credit Brandon Todd/Carolina Panthers
Featured Image Photo Credit: Brandon Todd/Carolina Panthers