Panthers extend final practice, building physical and mental calluses

CHARLOTTE — D.J. Wonnum knew the period should have been over. The whole defense knew the period should have been over.

But Dave Canales just kept calling plays.

"We knew for sure it was supposed to be eight plays at first," smiled Wonnum, "but I mean, you never know what happens on the field, you've got to be ready for whatever. So I think we end up taking maybe 16, 15–16 snaps."

It was the last period of the last practice of the 2025 training camp, and knowing the starters aren't playing in the final preseason game Thursday night, Canales didn't want to bring the physicality to an abrupt stop; and the period was extremely physical, from hard thud hits to contested catches, heightened emotions, and passionate responses.

It was part and parcel of Canales' message before practice in t