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Panthers training camp tracker: Observations and takeaways from Day 10

Anthony Rizzuti
·4 min read

Before heading into joint practices with the New York Jets beginning on Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers did a bit of fine tuning this morning.

Here, headlined by the arrival of a new face and the potential arrival of a breakout campaign, are the top observations and takeaways from the tenth practice of training camp:

Justin Houston reports

The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher arrived in Spartanburg on Tuesday to make his deal official. To make it officially official, rookie defensive lineman Jalen Redmond was waived to clear up the 90th roster spot for Houston.

Frank Reich reveals Justin Houston's role

AP Photo/Nick Wass
AP Photo/Nick Wass

At 34 years old, Houston won’t be expected to regain that former All-Pro form. He also won’t be expected to play every down, as Reich noted:

“He’ll be a rotational player. I have no doubt—knowing him the way I do—that if we wanted to play him 60 plays a game, he’d be up to the task. But that won’t be likely. It’s a long season.”

Justin Houston reveals why he signed with the Panthers

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

So, why did Houston pick Carolina? Well, the answer is simple.

“Coach Frank,” Houston said. “It was simple. Coach Frank called. I knew right then—as soon as he called, I hung up the phone and told my wife we goin’ to Carolina. It was an easy decision.”

And here’s why it was easy:

“I trust him. He’s a stand-up guy. What you see is what you get, and he’s gonna be straight up, forward with you. He’s a guy that you can count on. And like I said, the biggest thing is trust. I wanted somebody I can trust.”

Damiere Byrd sustains "significant" hamstring injury

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

In some less exciting news from this morning, Reich confirmed that Byrd will miss quite a bit of time:

“Damiere’s hamstring is pretty significant. It’s pretty significant. It’s gonna be a while. Could require a procedure. So, we’re continuin’ to get him evaluated—which is a shame because he was lookin’ really good. Obviously, he’s put himself in good position, but this was an unfortunate injury.”

Reich added that Byrd’s recovery could be in the range of six to eight weeks.

Notable observations

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Story originally appeared on Panthers Wire