It's pretty unusual l to see major media outlets openly questioning an NFL head coach this early in the season. That several have been so vocally critical of Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales' decision not to play his starters in tonight's preseason finale against the Pittsubrgh Steelers says a lot about the wisdom of that call.

Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble won't play against the Steelers on Thursday night, but he's on track to play in Week 1 of the regular season.

The Carolina Panthers might have two of their starters back for the beginning of the 2025 campaign. After a fiery finish to training camp on Tuesday, head coach Dave Canales was asked about the statuses of tight end Tommy Tremble and left guard Damien Lewis. He started with Tremble, who is on track to suit for up Week 1 of the regular season.

Coach Dave Canales said Coker (illness) is slated to play in Thursday's preseason contest against the Steelers for "conditioning" purposes, Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer reports.

The Panthers completed an eventful and intense day of practice following multiple poor showings in their preseason games.

Tempers flared on Tuesday, as a few of the Panthers' top players ignited a huge scuffle during the final practice of training camp.

Injured Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, center, stands with his teammates during action against the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 8, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium. The Browns defeated the Panthers 30-10. JEFF SINER [email protected]

When Panthers head coach Dave Canales benched quarterback Bryce Young just two games into last season, some wondered if Young was already done as Carolina's franchise quarterback.