Panthers training camp 2021: Important dates, roster cuts, fan days

All the information you need to know surrounding Carolina Panthers training camp in 2021 and the all-important fan involvement returning this summer.

There is a real sense of anticipation in the air ahead of Carolina Panthers’ training camp. This was something that was lacking to a certain extent in 2020 as COVID-19 health concerns gripped the nation and threw a wrench into preseason plans, which wasn’t exactly an ideal situation for Matt Rhule in his first year as head coach.

Thankfully, things will return to some semblance of normality this time around. The Panthers are traveling to Wofford College in Spartanburg once again – their usual destination for camp – with three preseason games also on the schedule to further enhance preparations for Week 1 against the New York Jets and beyond.

It will probably be a relief for Carolina to get back down to business on the field. Another dramatic offseason period included trading for quarterback Sam Darnold, acquiring some notable veterans in free agency, and Carolina also managed to get their hands on 11 draft selections over an eventful three days.

What comes next will be equally as important.

The Panthers are in a strong position to make some strides. But there are some big decisions the team needs to make before competitive action begins.

Here are the important dates you need to know about the Panthers training camp this year, which also sees the welcome addition of fans once again, who were sorely missed last time around.

Panthers training camp: Full 2021 schedule

July

• Practice – Wednesday, July 28 (8:30-10:30 a.m)
• Practice – Thursday, July 29 (8:30-10:30 a.m)
• Practice – Friday, July 30 (8:30-10:30 a.m)
• Training Camp: Back Together Saturday (Gibbs Stadium) – Saturday, July 31 (7:00-9:00 p.m)

August – Week 1

• No Practice – Sunday, August 1
• Practice – Monday, August 2 (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• Practice – Tuesday, August 3 (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• Practice – Wednesday, August 4 – (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• Practice – Thursday, August 5 (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• Fan Fest, presented by Daimler (Bank of America Stadium) – Friday, August 6 (7:00-9:00 p.m)
• No Practice – Saturday, August 7
• Practice Sunday, August 8 – (8:30-11:00 a.m)

August – Week 2

• Practice – Monday, August 9 (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• Practice – Tuesday, August 10 (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• No Practice – Wednesday, August 11
• Joint Practice with Colts (Westfield, Ind.) – Thursday, August 12 (4:00-6:00 p.m)
• Joint Practice with Colts (Westfield, Ind.) – Friday, August 13 (4:00-6:00 p.m)
• No Practice – Saturday, August 14
• Carolina at Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Field) – Sunday, August 15 (1:00 p.m)

August – Week 3

• No Practice – Monday, August 16
• Practice – Tuesday, August 17 (8:30-11:00 a.m)
• Joint Practice with Ravens (Wofford) – Wednesday, August 18 and Thursday 19 (TBD)

All information was sourced from the Panthers’ official website.

Panthers training camp: Roster cuts

Of course, there is the small matter of roster cuts to consider once both during and when things come to a formal conclusion at camp. Matt Rhule, Scott Fitterer, and other leading figures within the organization will slice their playing staff down to 53 and work out some potential possibilities for their practice squad providing another team doesn’t swoop them off the waiver wire first.

Carolina could also pick up a veteran or two who wasn’t part of the set-up ahead of Week 1 if they feel it can benefit the roster moving forward.

Players will get a couple of weeks to make an impression before the first trimming comes around. This will be followed by a second round of cuts and finish with one more before everything is set in stone.

Roster cut dates

• Rosters trimmed from 90 to 85 players – Tuesday, August 17
• Rosters trimmed from 85 to 80 players – Tuesday, August 24
• Rosters trimmed from 80 to 53 players – Tuesday, August 31

It’s going to be a fascinating few weeks for everyone associated with the organization. Panthers training camp is always one of the real highlights of the year and this summer should be more special than ever.

However, there is still a job to be done. And what conclusions the Panthers come to will shape their 2021 season in no uncertain terms.