10 Observations From Panthers Training Camp

Banged Up Backfield

Before the inaugural practice

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

on Friday night even got under way, wind of oft-injured running back Jonathan Stewart‘s newest injury was leaked publicly.  A tweaked hamstring initially was supposed to sideline the veteran RB for “a week or two”, however now it is being reported that it is more like two-to-four weeks.

Honestly, the more painful injury to our running backs is the season-ending knee injury that rookie Tyler Gaffney suffered on Friday night.  For me, Gaffney was looking like a great change-of-style back that could spell Stewart six-to-eight times a game.  As the season wore on, I envisioned Gaffney moving up the charts and threatening to supersede Stewart’s role in 2015.

Regardless, Stewart and Gaffney’s injuries are opening doors for Kenjon Barner and Darrin Reaves to shine.  If not, the Panthers will be in search of a veteran presence like Ronnie Brown or Rashard Mendenhall to add some needed offensive punch.  The Panthers who are looking to amp up the rushing attack this coming season, could not have envisioned a worse start to Training Camp.