Joint-practice notes between Houston and Carolina offered early-season fantasy cues. C.J. Stroud led two Texans scoring drives, including a red-zone TD to Nico Collins after finding Hutchinson and rookie Jaylin Noel. Stroud’s next series folded into a near-pick in red zone, with Carolina’s secondary disrupting routes and hinting at improved defense. On the Texans, Christian Kirk emerged as Stroud’s reliable late-game option during two-minute scenarios, giving him a real-life-Game feel. Derek Stingley Jr. showcased why referencing him as a defensive playmaker matters, picking Young on a back-shoulder attempt and highlighting the Texans’ perimeter coverage. Carolina’s offense looked sharper, with Bryce Young threading Legette, Tremayne, and Evans across multiple drives, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders? ending a drive with a red-zone TD. Will Anderson Jr. pressed the issue for Houston, delivering two sacks and signaling a work-in-progress but high-ceiling defense. Overall, the session painted a balanced picture: Houston’s offense showing flashes under Stroud, Carolina’s system appearing incrementally more cohesive, and both teams parsing out depth and fit ahead of the season.

Carolina’s 30-10 preseason loss to Cleveland showcased a mix of clean flashes and rough edges. Ikem Ekwonu dominated at left tackle, notching zero pressures across eight pass-blocks and anchoring the run game with a 90.8 run-blocking grade. Bryce Young turned in a crisp 4-for-6 line for 58 yards and a five-yard TD to Jalen Coker, while the Panthers’ top receivers — T.J. Luther, Jarrett Kingston and Coker — filled multiple roles. On the negative side, Jack Plummer struggled, Xavier Legette was ejected early, and the interior blocking faced issues as Michael Tarquin and Yosh Nijman drew lower grades. On defense, Nic Scourton, Bobby Brown III and Sam Roberts led the charge, with Trevian Thomas and Corey Thornton providing solid coverage and versatility. The Panthers also watched D.J. Wonnum and Tershawn Wharton struggle against the Browns, while Trevin Wallace, Jon Rhattigan and Bam Martin-Scott battled to finish tackles. Rayshawn Jenkins of Cleveland provided some splash plays that highlighted the challenge Carolina faces in late-game prep. Overall, the tape offered encouraging signs for young talent and a clear map of where to improve as the roster coalesces around Young and a frontline line.

As the Carolina Panthers gear up for training camp, the spotlight is on their offensive line, which has emerged as one of the team's strengths. The lineup, featuring key players like Ikem Ekwonu, Taylor Moton, and Austin Corbett, is nearly finalized, with a solid foundation complemented by versatile backups like Brady Christensen and Yosh Nijman. However, uncertainty looms over Moton, who is in the final year of his contract and has raised questions about his long-term health.

Amidst this, Chandler Zavala, who had a rocky rookie year, is expected to compete for a spot following a respectable performance last season. Meanwhile, a crucial battle to watch is between Corbett and Cade Mays for the starting center position, potentially impacting the team's offensive dynamics moving forward.

The Denver Broncos have a strong tradition of undrafted free agents (UDFAs) making the 53-man roster, with at least one UDFA securing a spot for 21 of the past 22 seasons. This year, the focus is on five standout UDFAs who have the best chances of earning a coveted place on the squad. Johnny Walker, a pass rusher from Missouri, received the highest signing bonus and has shown potential with 9.5 sacks last season. Karene Reid of Utah, despite facing competition at inside linebacker, has the opportunity to shine. Clay Webb from Jacksonville State, projected as a late-round pick, aims to bolster the offensive line. Xavier Truss from Georgia, a massive lineman, and JB Brown of Kansas, both are in positions that lack depth, enhancing their chances for the final roster.

The Carolina Panthers have solidified their commitment to franchise left tackle Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu by exercising his fifth-year option, ensuring he remains with the team through 2026. This decision underscores the Panthers' strategy of nurturing homegrown talent as they aim for a brighter future.

After demonstrating significant improvement in 2024, with an overall PFF grade of 71.7 and a commendable run-blocking mark of 80.5, Ekwonu played a key role in revitalizing Carolina's ground game, which saw Chuba Hubbard achieve a career-high 1,195 rushing yards. General Manager Dan Morgan’s approach emphasizes rewarding drafted players, positioning Ekwonu as a cornerstone of the team’s anticipated return to playoff contention.