Panthers HC Dave Canales asked if he’ll play starters in preseason finale

Will the Carolina Panthers actually give their starters some preseason reps in what’ll be their third and final rehearsal of the summer?

After deciding to hold his top units out for their first two exhibitions, head coach Dave Canales was asked exactly that following Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m open to playing our guys this week,” he replied. “The same thing I told you after the game is true, though. We have to look at, ‘What does that group look like if we put everybody out there?’ 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?’

“So, again, today was a hard practice. Tomorrow is gonna be another hard one. So, for me, I have to make sure we get through these two days and I collect that information and make that decision as we go forward.”

The Buffalo Bills, Carolina’s opponent on Saturday, have already announced their intentions to sit their starters for the matchup. Canales was then asked if that approach has any effect on his.

“It does not,” Canales responded. “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.”

So, just as the case has been, it’s to be determined . . .

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