Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines with one day remaining until their regular-season finale versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Carolina Panthers formally completed their practice commitments for 2023 on Friday. There is one game left to navigate before everyone goes their separate ways with an uncertain future attached. But first, they must find a way to provide fans with something to cheer by preventing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from winning the NFC South in Week 18.
There will be a sense of relief when it's all over, even though the real drama is still to come. Until then, the stories causing conversation include Bill Belichick rumors shot down, David Tepper's reported stance on Jim Harbaugh, Bryce Young tipped to be one of the greats, and Carolina's final injury report of the campaign.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers injury report vs. Bucs
The Carolina Panthers could be forgiven for resting a few established figures in their season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is nothing of merit to play for, but interim head coach Chris Tabor doesn't plan to give anyone available the day off in pursuit of finishing the season with some positivity.
It seems as if a few might not be able to prove their fitness according to the final injury report. Marquis Haynes Sr. is out with a back issue following a scary collision at the Jacksonville Jaguars that resulted in a hospital. Kicker Eddy Pineiro is listed as doubtful after tweaking his hamstring in warmups last weekend.
Cade Mays is another unlikely to participate - he's doubtful with a finger injury. Jaycee Horn and Tae Davis are both questionable for the clash due to toe and illness issues respectively.
Aside from that, it's all systems go.
Bill Belichick rumors shot down
Attention is turning to who the Carolina Panthers will appoint as their next head coach. Most are wondering who'd be crazy enough to work for an egotistical billionaire such as David Tepper. At the end of the day, there are only 32 head coaching jobs around the league and very few openings as it stands right now.
One of the more high-profile names being linked to the Panthers is Bill Belichick. The legendary figure's time with the New England Patriots seems to have run its course. However, he's eager to continue coaching in pursuit of breaking Don Shula's all-time winning record.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports revealed earlier this week that those within the NFC South are reportedly keen on bringing Belichick on board during the upcoming cycle. When asked about the possibility of the Patriots icon ending up in Carolina, former wide receiver Julian Edelman had a simple, frank response via The Spun during an appearance on FOX Sports' The Herd.
"No way."Julian Edelman via The Spun
Simple enough.
Belichick's coaching credentials cannot be questioned after all the success he's accomplished over the last two decades. It's also highly unlikely he'd ever be okay with Tepper's influence as a meddling, heavily involved owner with too much sway on the football operation.
It's a non-starter thanks in no small part to Tepper. This brings us nicely to another piece of coaching news of note over the last 24 hours.
Carolina Panthers' stance on Jim Harbaugh
Speculation continues to run wild about Jim Harbaugh's future. The respected figure is gearing up for a national championship final on Monday with the Michigan Wolverines. After that, all signs point to an NFL return.
Harbaugh recently hired an agent with close ties to the league. He was keen to keep the focus on the immediate task at hand when speaking to the media, but this could be the year when he returns to the next level.
According to Travis Hancock of WFNZ, Harbaugh is reportedly intrigued by the idea of turning the Panthers around. Unfortunately for the coach and the franchise, team owner David Tepper is reluctant to give up control to a more experienced coach. When one considers how the billionaire has gone about his business since buying the organization from Jerry Richardson, this is unsurprising.
Yes. Hearing Harbaugh has interest for the second year in a row but apparently the feeling has not been mutual from the Panthers end. https://t.co/CM1cG4Lmuf
— Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) January 5, 2024
If the report is accurate, it proves Tepper has learned absolutely nothing. He is the problem. He fails to acknowledge this fact. Not giving a serious coach like Harbaugh consideration - who's won everywhere he's been - just because the hedge fund manager wants to remain heavily involved in the football operation is asinine.
Tepper likes surrounding himself with yes-men who'll pander to his ego at every turn. The likes of Harbaugh and Bill Belichick wouldn't be doing that under any circumstances. So it might come down to which candidate is willing to put up with him.
That's a terrible situation for the franchise to be in.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young can be great
It's been a rollercoaster rookie campaign for Bryce Young. The environment around the promising signal caller hasn't been great. The schematic concepts on offense didn't suit his skill set. The offensive line was a complete joke more often than not. This resulted in an underwhelming first year with plenty of mitigating circumstances attached.
Young will be glad to get his final regular season clash of 2023 out of the way against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The No. 1 overall selection got a nice confidence boost from opposing head coach Todd Bowles, who thought he could be one of the greats if the Panthers do right by the player based on comments via Messenger Sports.
"He's one of the best scramblers I've seen this year. Lot of poise. He's gonna be one of the best to ever do it once he's done playing. Poise in the pocket, can throw on the dime. He's very athletic, he can move in the pocket, but not just to run, to throw as well. And he's very patient."Todd Bowles via Messenger Sports
Praising opposing players to provide them with a false sense of security isn't uncommon around the NFL. Bowles went above and beyond the typical, which is a testament to how Young applied himself in extremely difficult circumstances.
Young would be the first to admit his personal performance levels haven't been good enough. But the former Alabama star can only do so much - it's up to those in power to surround their big investment with everything he needs in the coming weeks and months.
If they don't, the same problems will arise next season.