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With rookies reporting to Charlotte yesterday and veterans back in today, the Carolina Panthers are almost set to begin their 2026 training camp. This summer could serve as another step towards another playoff push for the organization, which is fresh off capturing its first postseason berth since 2017 and their first NFC South title since 2015.
The main architect behind their recent success is president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan, who hit the lectern for a pre-camp press conference on Wednesday.
So before we get into the on-field action, let's run through the biggest takeaways from Morgan's afternoon chat.
Hitting the shelf
Carolina will start camp without a handful of key players.
Morgan announced that the team has placed left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (neck) on the physically unable to perform list. Both are expected to miss time into the regular season.
He also confirmed that cornerback Jaycee Horn (toe) has been put on the non-football injury list and that right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clot) has been put on the non-football illness list. Horn is likely to return soon.
In addition, Morgan revealed two newer moves—one of which will see defensive lineman Bobby Brown join Horn on the non-football injury list with a hamstring issue. Plus, rookie cornerback Jaylin Guilbeau was waived with an injury designation.
A new pair of bookends
Being that both starting offensive tackles in Ekwonu and Moton will not be available at the start of the regular season, the Panthers have had to turn to a pair of recent additions.
As noted by Morgan, fifth-year veteran Rasheed Walker will take first-team reps at left tackle and rookie Monroe Freeling will man right tackle. He spoke about the outlook on Freeling, their 2026 first-round pick.
"I know what Monroe's made of," Morgan stated. "He's a competitor, he's super smart, he's gonna go out there and attack this thing and we have full confidence in him."
While Freeling was primarily a left tackle during his three-year run at the Unviersity of Georgia, he did record 257 snaps on the right side.
Brady's back
The offensive line also got a familiar face back in the fold, as Brady Christensen rejoined the team on a one-year deal this past weekend. Morgan spoke on the importance of Christensen's positional flexibility, especially given the injuries along the trench.
"Brady's versatility—it's huge. He can play all five spots," he said. "Talking to him last season, talking to him throughout the offseason—we did a really good job of staying in touch with him."
Christensen has logged snaps at all five positions on the line as a pro. His experience as a tackle may prove valuable with Ekwonu and Moton sidelined.
No new QBs?
Third-string quarterback Will Grier, unexpectedly, announced his retirement last Wednesday. The 31-year-old's departure has left the Panthers with three quarterbacks heading into camp.
Morgan was asked if he plans on adding back a fourth man to the room.
"No plans right now to bring a fourth guy on," he replied. "Obviously, wish Will and his family the best. In terms of his career, just playing as long as he did, and just wish him the best moving forward."
The current group is headed by quarterback Bryce Young, with veteran Kenny Pickett and undrafted rookie Haynes King behind him.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 4 biggest takeaways from Panthers GM Dan Morgan's pre-training camp press conference
