Charlotte, NC, September 2, 2025
News Summary
The Carolina Panthers are concluding their preparations for the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This week, they announced three new additions to their practice squad and revealed their team captains. With a mix of strategic practices and community initiatives, the Panthers aim to be fully ready as they kick off the NFL season. Community events include a backpack distribution to support students in need across the Carolinas, demonstrating the team’s commitment beyond the field.
Charlotte, NC – The Carolina Panthers are completing final preparations for their upcoming season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 10, 2025. The team has been active this week, with multiple roster moves and community events to enhance their readiness for the new NFL season.
On Thursday evening, the Panthers announced three additional signings to their practice squad. Defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy is making a return, while former Green Bay Packers cornerback Kalen King and former Seattle Seahawks running back DeeJay Dallas have also been added. This brings the practice squad roster to the maximum limit of 17 players for the season, which includes Mapalo Mwansa, an International Player Pathway Program participant who does not count against the total.
The complete practice squad currently features a mix of positions:
- Quarterback: Hendon Hooker
- Running Back: DeeJay Dallas
- Wide Receivers: Ja’Seem Reed, Ainias Smith
- Tight End: Bryce Pierre
- Offensive Linemen: Michael Tarquin, Brandon Walton, Jarrett Kingston
- Defensive Tackles: Jaden Crumedy, Sam Roberts
- Outside Linebacker: Boogie Basham
- Defensive End: Jared Harrison-Hunte
- Inside Linebackers: Krys Barnes, Mapalo Mwansa
- Cornerbacks: Shemar Bartholomew, Michael Reid
- Safety: Trevian Thomas
The Panthers are expected to wrap up their roster adjustments before the season opener, with the possibility of bringing back veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who was released on August 26 but re-signed on August 29 due to mutual interest.
In preparation for the game, head coach Dave Canales and the team have been focusing on strategic practices throughout the week. Notably, offensive lineman Ickey Ekwonu is currently day-to-day following an emergency appendectomy but is reportedly following a recovery plan.
The Panthers have also announced their team captains for the season: Bryce Young as quarterback, Derrick Brown as defensive end, and long snapper JJ Jansen. This season features the fewest permanent captains for the Panthers since 2020, with plans for rotating captain duties each week.
Beyond the field, the Panthers are also making community impacts. In collaboration with The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation and Classroom Central, the team hosted a backpack distribution event at Briarwood Elementary School. This initiative benefits students in need across eight school districts in the Carolinas, following a similar successful event held in Mullins, SC on August 14. The program aims to provide essential school supplies to thousands of students in high-need communities.
The Panthers have held multiple practices in the lead-up to the season, maintaining a rigorous schedule to ensure they are fully equipped for their matchup against the Jaguars as the new season kicks off.
Key Aspects of Panthers Preparation
- Roster moves include signings to meet the maximum practice squad limit.
- Team captains announced for the season, with less permanence compared to previous years.
- Community events aimed at providing school supplies to students in need.
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Additional Resources
- Panthers Practice Photos
- SI: Panthers Finalize Practice Squad
- Panthers Wire: Practice Squad Tracker
- Charlotte Observer: Panthers News
- Cat Scratch Reader: Roster Tracker
- Wikipedia: Carolina Panthers
- Google Search: Carolina Panthers
- Google Scholar: Carolina Panthers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Carolina Panthers
- Google News: Carolina Panthers
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