How will training camp changes impact the Carolina Panthers?

Could the training camp changes have a detrimental impact on the Carolina Panthers in 2020?

It appears that the Carolina Panthers will have to adjust to big changes when they eventually start training camp. The NFL outlined their recommendations this week, ordering teams to hold practices at team facilities and outlawing combined sessions with other teams.

This will mean the Carolina Panthers are not going to be making their annual trip to Wofford College. Instead, the franchise will work from their own base to get ready for what promises to be an eventful campaign under new head coach Matt Rhule.

While it might seem odd for the team to hold training camp at their own facility. It is a necessary evil in the current climate. Things are uncertain as to whether there will even be fans in the stands by the time the season gets underway. So the Panthers and others will need to make the necessary sacrifices in order to keep things safe due to the unprecedented situation.

The demands issued by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell received support from the Panthers, with their vice president of communications and external affairs Steve Drummond also stating the organization is looking forward to a Wofford return in 2021.

"“We are aware of the league’s decision regarding training camp and support its goal of ensuring the safety of fans, players, coaches and staff. We value our longstanding relationship with Wofford College and the Spartanburg area and look forward to returning in 2021.”"

Next year might be the last time that the Panthers go to the college for training camp. Their lavish new facility in Rock Hill could be ready to open in 2022. So that will become their new venue once the incredible proposals come to fruition.

This is something else the Panthers’ new-look roster will have cope with ahead of the season. There have been significant changes to all areas of the franchise this offseason. And their preparation will not have been helped by these social distancing measures.

Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported that NFL teams will not be permitted to make a full return to team facilities until training camp. And there has been no official date set for camps to begin.

How will training camp changes impact the Carolina Panthers?

The turbulent offseason currently transpiring across the league has the potential to impact the Carolina Panthers more than most. This is almost a brand-new roster that has yet to meet face-to-face. And this has the scope to bring some serious chemistry issues whenever competitive action gets underway.

While the Panthers have held plenty of virtual sessions in recent weeks. Players like nothing more than getting on the field and showing what they are capable of.

Any further delay in a normal program has the chance to have a detrimental effect on their overall fortunes. Expectations are relatively low for Carolina in 2020. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t expected to show some sort of cohesion during a period of transition.

Not having their training camp at Wofford College shouldn’t have too many implications. But the less time each player will have to adjust to their new teammates is much more significant.

It will up to Rhule and his coaching staff to maximize each session to its fullest. And there is a lot riding on their ability to do so in 2020.