Draws start in preseason opener
Etienne started the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday, rushing four times for 12 yards and bringing in his only target for minus-1 yard.
With Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks both getting the night off, Etienne was the first back on the field for the Panthers and logged touches on each of the first three drives. He netted 12 yards via back-to-back runs on Carolina's third possession, but he was ultimately outperformed by both Miles Davis and veteran AJ Dillon after exiting the game. Etienne appeared in all 17 regular-season games as a rookie in 2025 and contributed 107 scrimmage yards, but he also added value on special teams with 733 kickoff-return yards and 163 yards on punt returns. Etienne will continue attempting to make a case for a roster spot in Carolina's second preseason game, which unfolds Saturday, Aug. 15 on the road against the Bills.
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Jalen Coker
Listed as starting WR
Coker is listed as a starting wide receiver on the Panthers' unofficial depth chart.
Bryce Young
Working with new play caller
Young will be working with a new play caller in 2026 with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik taking those duties from head coach Dave Canales, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Darren Waller
Jumps into team drills Wednesday
Waller, who signed with the Panthers on Aug. 12, took part in team drills with the first-team offense Wednesday as the coaching staff looks to get him fully incorporated ahead of Week 1, Kassidy Hill of the team's official site reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
In line for more slot work in 2026
Coach Dave Canales suggested Wednesday that McMillan will work out of the slot more this season, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Optimism for Week 1
Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday he's "very optimistic" Brooks (soreness) will be available for Week 1 against the Bears, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Working off to side Wednesday
Brooks (soreness) was working off to the side with a trainer during Wednesday's practice, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Dealing with soreness Tuesday
Coach Dave Canales said Brooks missed practice Tuesday due to general soreness, Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio 1340 reports.
Chuba Hubbard
Returns to practice Tuesday
Hubbard (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Trevor Etienne
Placed on IR, designated to return
Etienne (ankle) was placed on injured reserve by the Panthers on Sunday with a designation to return, Darin Gantt of the team's official website reports.
Bobby Okereke
Signing with Carolina
Okereke is signing a contract with the Panthers, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
