Panthers Notebook: Starters May (Or May Not) Play In Preseason Finale; Diontae Johnson Endures Injury Scare; Rookie Trevin Wallace Impresses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales will not show his starting hand.

Through two preseason outings, Canales has yet to field any of the rebuilding team’s established starters. The Panthers (0-2) have looked offensively challenged, combing for 15 points in losses to the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

Still, Canales doesn’t appear to be rushing to make a decision. The Panthers close out the preseason Saturday at the Buffalo Bills.

“We have to look at, ‘What does that group look like if we put everybody out there?’ ” Canales said after Tuesday’s practice. “Are there enough of those guys to say, ‘Man, is this valuable for us to get these reps?’ Once we start to get into the depth of different positions, that kinda forces our hand sometimes on, ‘Can we play our guys?’ Or, ‘Do we need to play them?’ ”

The Bills’ coaching staff announced most of their starters will not dress

The Buffalo Bills, Carolina’s opponent on Saturday, have already announced their intentions to sit their starters for the matchup. Canales said he will not be swayed by the Bills’ decision.

“It’s really just about the strength and health of our units, and if we can get a good look of the guys and get them that game experience, which we all know is so valuable,” Canales said.

Panthers WR1 Dionte Johnson Tweaks Foot

Expected to serve as the primary target for second-year quarterback Bryce Young, wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) returned to practice Tuesday and appeared to injure his foot on a crossing pattern during 11-on-11 drills.

The 28-year-old, six-year veteran could be seen limping, but remained in practice. Canales did not appear concerned.

“I didn’t see it,” he said. “He was fine, though. It was like a play or two, he was back out there running.”

Rookie LB Trevin Wallace Plays Like ‘Natural’

After getting a feel of NFL life during the offseason program and training camp, rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace continues to make a bid to become a Week 1 rotational piece.

On Tuesday, Wallace picked off backup quarterback Andy Dalton. Last Thursday, he intercepted Jets’ QB Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP.

“While he still has a ways to go, (like) learning the scheme, when he’s comfortable, he’s big and he’s fast and he’s got great hands,” Canales said. “That’s such a rare combination at the inside linebacker spot.”

The first-year skipper expects the defense to create more turnovers after the Panthers’ defense registered a league-low 11 last season. Wallace collected three interceptions over the past two SEC seasons with Kentucky.

“I think he’s just a natural football player, first and foremost,” Canales said. “I think he’s just a natural football player, first and foremost.”

Young explained what it was like to practice against Wallace.

“Going against Trevin throughout camp knowing that windows that may seem big or may seem open, he can get there, he can close ’em, he can get a hand on the ball, he can go pick the ball off, he can go sideline to sideline really well,” Young said. “I’m glad he’s on our team, for sure. He makes it difficult on a lot of things we want to do.”