After QB Cam Newton’s outstanding rookie season, there’s no question that there’s increased buzz around the Panthers this season. Four days into camp, they have drawn almost as many fans as their entire 2011 camp. Carolina drew nearly 20,000 spectators over the weekend. In 2011, the team had a total of 34,000.
Who’s here: The team had perfect attendance when camp opened, and RT Jeff Otah, who had his trade to the Jets voided after failing a physical, is scheduled to report back to the Panthers on Wednesday. The team could try to trade him elsewhere, cut him, or hold on to him, either as an active member of the roster or on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Who’s not: Rookie CB Josh Norman, expected to compete for a starting job opposite Chris Gamble, tweaked his hamstring and has missed some time. LB Thomas Davis missed two straight practices as a precaution. He was seen favoring his surgically repaired knee in Sunday’s practice and sat out Monday and Tuesday’s practices in pads. DE/LB Jyles Tucker left camp for “personal reasons” and was cut. GM Marty Hurney said Tucker felt he was too light and left to try to bulk up.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow@CBSSportsNFLCAR.
