Fantasy football managers are in on Carolina Panthers standout wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan entering his sophomore NFL campaign. Can anyone else in the offense, headed by quarterback Bryce Young, be trusted other than the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Whether a Young-led attack can consistently support multiple viable skill players is up for debate. He barely merited rostership in the deepest of formats, finishing as the QB29 in fantasy points per game (14.3) and weighing down his supporting cast. McMillan and departed Panthers running back Rico Dowdle were fringe-top-24 options at their respective positions despite each eclipsing 1,000 scrimmage yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Dowdle left for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency and left Carolina with 275 touches in a well-designed rushing attack. His exit opens the door for veteran Chuba Hubbard to reclaim a backfield that once belonged to him. Perhaps a finally-healthy version of 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks will emerge.
There's also a three-man tight end competition brewing between the fine, albeit uninspiring trio of Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans. Their efforts (or lack thereof) might also prompt the Panthers to make a trade, as many have tried to manifest this offseason.
Training camp and the preseason will give us a much better idea of what to expect from Young and Co. in 2026. With summer drafts quietly creeping up, we'll provide the latest updates every manager should know regarding the club.
Note: This story will be updated regularly throughout the Carolina Panthers' training camp and preseason.
Latest fantasy football updates for the Panthers: News, injuries and position battles
Ja'Tavion Sanders exits with injury -- 8/4
An ankle issue prevented Sanders from finishing practice. He'll undergo further evaluation, according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
Sanders finally seemed to be getting in a groove before getting hurt, so hopefully this isn't a long-term issue. The Panthers need him now more than ever. Fantasy managers shouldn't be relying on the 2024 fourth-round selection, nonetheless.
Xavier Legette avoids injury scare -- 8/4
An impressive catch ended with Legette shaken up on the ground and carted off the field. He cleared the concussion protocol but has a stinger that might keep him out for a short period, per Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
Carolina already has to move forward without Chris Brazzell II (knee), so losing Legette would be far from ideal. The dwindling wide receiver depth further entrenches Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker as the top two options in the passing game.
Ja'Tavion Sanders off to a slow start -- 8/3
Per Mike Kaye, Sanders has gotten off to a slow start in camp but finally had a strong day. He could wind up being a factor in the slot, at times, if he can ascend. For Sanders truthers, this is a pivotal year, especially with rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II now done for the year.
Chris Brazzell II set to miss 2026 in unfortunate twist -- 7/30
Initially expected to be out for roughly two months, Brazzell will now undergo surgery and miss the entire season (h/t Joe Person of The Athletic).
Talk about an absolute bummer. It'll be interesting to see if losing Brazzell prompts the Panthers to explore the trade/free-agent market.
Jonathon Brooks lining up at WR and making plays -- 7/30
In the Panthers' most recent practice, Jonathan Brooks lined up at wide receiver and caught a deep, contested ball. 32 Beat Writers noted that this was the first time we saw something like this from Brooks.
If Brooks continues to offer receiving chops, like this, then the hype train will continue to grow for him being the better pick over Hubbard.
Chris Brazzell II slated for lengthy absence -- 7/29
Brazzell reaggravated a left knee issue that previously cost him a couple of days. He was later diagnosed with a "moderate LCL tear" and will miss "up to eight weeks," per Joe Person of The Athletic.
By the sound of it, Brazzell won't be ready for Week 1. His absence paves the way for 2024 first-round selection Xavier Legette to assume WR3 duties, though neither pass-catcher is currently on the fantasy radar regardless.
Mitchell Evans goes down early -- 7/28
An ankle issue during Carolina's first padded practice resulted in Evans getting carted off the field. The severity of the matter remains unclear.
Tremble and/or Sanders will have additional opportunities to separate themselves if Evans is sidelined.
Jonathon Brooks looks no worse for wear -- 7/29
Brooks seems to be progressing well after his first two years in the pros were derailed by tearing the same ACL twice. He's operating with no "hesitation," according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales.
There's been plenty of buzz surrounding Brooks with each positive health update, and understandably so; the upside is undeniable, especially with only Hubbard to overtake.
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