The Carolina Panthers concluded their mandatory minicamp this week and are now preparing for training camp in July. Injury timelines for several players indicate they should be ready by training camp, making it an exciting time to look forward to the upcoming season.
On Thursday, head coach Dave Canales provided updates on the progress of injured linebacker D.J. Wonnum, running back Jonathon Brooks, linebacker Eku Leota, and edge rusher D.J. Johnson. Brooks, recovering from a torn ACL, and Wonnum, recovering from a quad injury, are both on track to participate in training camp. Leota, dealing with a calf injury, is expected to be ready for training camp as well.
D.J. Johnson recently sustained a leg injury during practice and was carted off the field. Canales assured reporters that his condition isn’t considered serious, despite him missing Thursday’s activities.
“D.J. Wonnum has a bit more progress to make, Jonathan Brooks needs a little more time. We’ll work them into camp gradually,” Canales noted. “Eku Leota should be ready for camp, but players with soft-tissue injuries need careful management when ramping up their activity.”
The Panthers also kept first-round pick Xavier Legette out of action this week due to a hamstring injury, which also sidelined him during OTAs.
Carolina will host training camp in Charlotte during the last week of July. This will give fans the first chance to see Legette, the 2024 first-round selection, and Brooks, the second-round pick, together on the field.
Panthers Invite UFL Offensive Player of the Year for Workout
The Panthers recently welcomed the UFL’s Offensive Player of the Year, Hakeem Butler, for a workout, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Butler, coming off a successful season with the St. Louis BattleHawks, where he recorded 45 catches for 652 yards and five touchdowns, was awarded the OPOY title and made the all-league team.
Butler, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft from Iowa State, originally signed with the Arizona Cardinals and was released after a hand injury. After brief stints with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles practice squads, he moved to the CFL with the BC Lions and Edmonton Elks. Butler joined the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2023 and had an impressive season, leading to his workout with the Panthers.
