5 key observations from third Carolina Panthers practice back in Charlotte
By Dean Jones
Tough day for Carolina Panthers LS Thomas Fletcher
It wasn’t just the kickers that took focus during practice. According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, something that caught the reporter’s eye was Thomas Fletcher being yanked from one particular drill for a wayward snap that saw experienced veteran J.J. Jansen come in to assume the role.
He also added that Jansen was seeing work with the first unit before this. So if the rookie was hoping for a clear road to the starting job, things might not work out that way.
Again, this is a fluid situation and something to keep an eye on.
The Carolina Panthers didn’t draft Fletcher in the sixth round to remove him from the equation right away, but if they aren’t convinced in his reliability then it could see the organization keep faith with their longest-serving player for one more year.
Also of note during the field goal drill: Thomas Fletcher got yanked after a bad snap and replaced by JJ Jansen, who had already worked with the first group.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 25, 2021
Reliability is something that comes with the territory where Jansen is concerned. He’s hardly put a foot wrong during his lengthy spell in Carolina and although the decision-makers wanted to look at a potential long-term replacement, he’s not giving up the job without a fight.
This is one of the last remaining true position battles regarding the Panthers’ starters. It was thought the Alabama product had the edge initially, but getting pulled from a drill in favor of Jansen isn’t the greatest of looks for Fletcher.
Much like the kicking dilemma, all we can do is wait and see how it plays out.