Fists fly as fight breaks out in Panthers' 1st padded practice of training camp - Panthers Wire

What the report says

USA Today’s Panthers Wire reported that the Carolina Panthers’ first padded practice of 2026 training camp turned heated Tuesday, with a fight breaking out during a workout that head coach Dave Canales later described as below the standard he expected. The session took place July 28, as Carolina moved into a more physical phase of camp.

According to the report, Canales said the team did not open practice with the level of physicality and urgency the staff wanted. He told reporters he challenged the defense during an early team period to set the tone and get players rallying to the ball. Canales said the group responded, but he emphasized that players need to take ownership of practicing with the intensity required for football.

The confrontation occurred during seven-on-seven work and involved tight end Feleipe Franks. Panthers Wire, citing Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer, reported that punches were thrown and that cornerback Mike Jackson knocked off Franks’ helmet during the skirmish.

Canales framed the incident as part of the emotional edge that can come with football, especially early in padded practices, but said players cannot go too far. He noted that penalties such as personal fouls can damage a team in games because of the yardage cost. The episode matters as an early test of discipline for a Panthers team trying to build a competitive practice environment while avoiding habits that could hurt it once the regular season begins.