Behind Brooks on depth chart?
Etienne appears to be behind Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on Carolina's depth chart, competing for a backup role while contributing on special teams, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer.
A 2025 fourth-round pick, Etienne took just 23 touches on offense during his rookie season, getting far more work on special teams -- 20 punt returns for 163 yards, 31 kick returns for 733 yards. He was one of the least effective return specialists in the league, so he'll need to compete for the kick and punt return jobs this summer. Etienne hopes there's also a competition for the No. 2 RB role behind Hubbard, though fantasy ADPs and early beat-writer reports both peg Brooks as a strong favorite. Behind Hubbard, Brooks and Etienne, the Panthers have veteran journeyman AJ Dillon and UDFAs Anthony Tyus and Miles Davis.
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Jonathon Brooks
Being eased back in
Brooks didn't participate in team drills during Tuesday's OTA session, Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
Remains idle with foot injury
McMillan (foot) remains sidelined for Tuesday's practice, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Looking healthy at OTAs
Sanders (fibula) is participating in practice at OTAs on Wednesday, Alex Zietlow of The Charlette Observer reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
Dealing with minor injury?
McMillan worked with the training staff Tuesday while his teammates practiced on the first day of OTAs, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Bryce Young
Contract option picked up
The Panthers have officially exercised the fifth-year option on Young's rookie contract, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Fully cleared for offseason program
Brooks (knee) said Tuesday that he's been fully cleared to participate in the Panthers' offseason program, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Xavier Legette
Panthers add third-round WR
Legette is facing additional competition for snaps and targets after Carolina selected Chris Brazzell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports.
Chris Brazzell II
Chosen by Carolina
The Panthers selected Brazzell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 83rd overall.
Lee Hunter
Picked up by Panthers
The Panthers selected Hunter in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 49th overall.
Monroe Freeling
Picked by Panthers
The Panthers selected Freeling in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 19th overall.