The Carolina Panthers got back down to business at training camp following their highly successful first preseason outing against the Arizona Cardinals. And this weekend, head coach Dave Canales revealed that the starting options will get their first run since a narrow playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
They won't be on the field for anything more than 10-20 snaps versus the Buffalo Bills, but the players will be eager to make it count. It's a chance to build extra chemistry and get used to taking live-fire hits again, which is always useful when the grind of camp can become frustrating.
The Panthers are stacking good days, and momentum is high. There are still some injury concerns to worry about and a lot of roster churning at the bottom end, but at least the vibes remain positive.
With this in mind, here are four standouts from Day 9 of Carolina's training camp in Charlotte.
Supreme standouts from Day 9 of Carolina Panthers' 2026 training camp
Tetairoa McMillan, WR
The Panthers have a superstar on their hands with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. He looks much stronger while keeping the same explosiveness, and his connection with quarterback Bryce Young continues to blossom over the summer.
McMillan has the size, length, and athleticism to make a real difference. Last year's experiences were the biggest positive to build on, and a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign looks well within his capabilities if Young meets his end of the bargain.
Bryce Young 11-on-11 series that concludes #Panthers practice:
— Alex Zietlow (@alexzietlow05) August 9, 2026
-Chuba Hubbard catch in the flat
-Hubbard run middle
-Jalen Coker crossing route for intermediate game
-Xavier Legette catch, short gain right
-Tetairoa McMillan touchdown catch
Jonathon Brooks, RB
There is no bigger wild card on the Panthers this season than Jonathon Brooks. He's been a forgotten figure over the first two years of his NFL journey, but he now looks healthy enough to make a major contribution.
Brooks once again put his pass-catching prowess on display during the session, snagging a one-handed grab from Kenny Pickett in one of practice's best moments. His strength and confidence seem to be growing, so the next challenge will be coming through some more physical preseason reps unscathed.
What a snag 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qkwNkjv4N5
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 9, 2026
Cam Jackson, DL
With the Panthers missing Bobby Brown III, Derrick Brown, and long-term absentee Tershawn Wharton in the defensive trenches, second-year breakout hopeful Cam Jackson got another chance to stake his claim. And after a rookie season that saw him flash when his number was called, more could be on the way this time around.
Jackson has improved his strength, contact balance, and hand placement this summer. At the very least, the 2025 fifth-round pick promises to be a key rotational piece in Year 2 of his professional career.
Chuba Hubbard, RB
Even though there is real excitement about what Brooks can bring to the offense, veteran running back Chuba Hubbard will also be counted upon heavily. He doesn't have the same explosiveness, but another nice practice on Day 9 of training camp shows just how much the Oklahoma State product continues to grow.
Brooks might end up taking the lion's share of touches later in the campaign, but it won't be right away. Until that point arrives, Hubbard will shoulder a heavy burden.
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