09/03/2026
Head coach Dave Canales met with reporters today, touching on the running back rotation, Darren Waller's return to full practice, and the team's preparation for Week 1
Asked about AJ Dillon's increased reps with the first team, Canales was direct about the reasoning: "You need all your backs. You need them all." He pointed to Trevor Etienne working his way back and practice squad running back Trey Tyus as the depth supporting that room.
Canales also gave an update on Darren Waller, who took part in full team drills for the first time after being held back Monday. According to Canales, Waller got real targets, came down with a couple of catches, and moved well for a player his size — a positive sign as he continues building toward a full workload.
On the topic of managing a running back room with a notable injury history, Canales kept his answer simple: "You don't really worry about it. You just go with what we have."
With Chicago now the focus, Canales said the team has shifted into scout-team work and situational periods this week — two-minute drills, end-of-game scenarios, and short-yardage and field goal units among them.
He also credited Tetairoa McMillan's offseason strength gains for showing up on tape, saying the receiver has been "rugged to the ball" at the line of scrimmage.
Reflecting on his adjustment to no longer calling plays, Canales described a role that's let him engage more directly with players in real time: "It just frees me up to connect with the guys immediately... I get to see something live happen and be able to talk to a guy."
Closing on running back Jonathon Brooks, who did not practice today, Canales struck an optimistic tone: "I'm very optimistic he'll be available for week one."
The Panthers continue training camp this week as they prepare to open the regular season against the Chicago Bears.
