Carolina Panthers Release Starter, Sideline Multiple Key Players at Training Camp Start

The Carolina Panthers face significant challenges heading into the 2025 NFL season, relying heavily on rookies due to an unproven roster aside from a few veterans like Adam Thielen and Derrick Brown. Analyst Andrew Buller-Ross expects as many as three rookies, including wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and outside linebackers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, to see starting roles. Compounding their difficulties, the Panthers released starting linebacker Josey Jewell on the first day of training camp due to ongoing concussion symptoms, leaving the team without its top two tacklers from the previous season. Defensive lineman Bobby Brown III was placed on the active/non-football injury list, and other key players including tight end Tommy Tremble, wide receiver Dan Chisena, and punter Sam Martin were also sidelined initially due to various injuries, though they can be activated during camp. These absences add to the uncertainty around the Panthers’ depth and performance prospects as they enter training camp. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots opened training camp with the unexpected absence of second-year wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who is still recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and now faces a crowded and competitive wide receiver group, putting his role in jeopardy.