Panthers Training Camp News and Notes For 8/2/12
The NFL is fairly quiet today, but we still want to update all our loyal readers about everything that’s going on with the Carolina Panthers. The following are updates and notes about any Panthers players that have made a recent impact in training camp, or have made NFL news headlines for other reasons.
Jeff Otah Done as a Panther
The Panthers’ former first-round pick was traded to the New York Jets last week, but since he was unable to pass his physical in time, the trade was nullified. Carolina was trying to get any kind of value in return for Otah, after the talented offensive tackle missed 31 out of his last 35 games due to injury. The Panthers have already cut ties with Otah following the nixed trade, and it remains to be seen if he will be able to get healthy and latch on with another NFL team in the future. Our own Andre Barraclough dives into the Otah situation deeper.
Cam Newton Looking Good
According to Steve Reed via Twitter, Panthers’ second-year quarterback Cam Newton is looking “comfortable and confident” at Panthers’ camp. It’s somewhat surprising we haven’t heard a ton of noise about Newton taking another huge step in his development, but that also could be asking a lot in just his second season – especially after such an impressive rookie debut. On the other hand, it’s definitely good to not hear bad reviews coming out of Panthers’ camp, as well.
Brandon LaFell Ahead in Race For #2 WR Gig
LaFell is getting the most time across from Steve Smith as the team’s number two wide receiver, as expected. LaFell has been performing well enough, but the Panthers have been vocal about wanting David Gettis to push LaFell for the job, while Seyi Ajirotutu has reportedly been having a very strong camp thus far. Ultimately, we’d be shocked if anyone other than LaFell was the team’s number two option come week one.
Otah has been the big story through the first week of camp, although the team did also just sign defensive back Nate Ness and reports have come back that Thomas Davis is looking “fine”. Davis is attempting to be the first NFL player (that is known) to successfully return to the field after three acl tears to the same knee. Ness is likely just a camp body for added competition, and is not a safe bet to make the final roster.
