5 key observations from practice Day 5 at Panthers training camp

A potential problem with A.J. Bouye

Something to keep an eye on over the next few days will be the status of A.J. Bouye. The cornerback “pulled something” according to head coach Matt Rhule during Monday’s practice, meaning he could end up missing some time to avoid complications when it matters.

Bouye is suspended for the first two games of the 2021 season after violating the league’s substant-abuse policy on the Denver Broncos. If this turns out to be serious and no preseason reps come as a result, it could be a blow to the former Pro Bowler moving forward.

It’s been a positive start to training camp for Bouye, who is looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last time around and become the same force we saw during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

His veteran leadership could be of use providing this setback doesn’t evolve into something more. The Carolina Panthers don’t have much in the way of experience behind the starting trio of Bouye, Jaycee Horn, and Donte Jackson, so whether it’s worth bringing in someone else or not might be discussed upon diagnosis.

Hopefully, the pull is nothing too serious from Bouye’s perspective. But it is a situation worth monitoring closely before an official announcement is made.