Transcript: Panthers Head Coach Press Conference














What is the status of Brian Burns and when is he set to return?

Brian Burns sustained an injury during practice this week, and unfortunately, he won't be available for this weekend's game. The good news is that the injury isn't too severe, and we expect him to be back on the field next week. His absence is a blow to our defense, but it's a part of the game, and we have to adapt.

In his absence, we're looking to Yetur Gross-Matos, DJ Johnson, and Amare Barno to step up. All three have shown flashes of their potential in practice and in limited game action. This is an opportunity for them to make a significant impact and show that they can be relied upon in crucial situations. We have full confidence in their abilities to fill the void left by Brian.

It's always tough to lose a player of Brian's caliber, but it's also an opportunity for other players to step up and make a name for themselves. We have a "next man up" mentality here, and this situation is no different. We're looking forward to seeing how these young players perform and help us secure a win this weekend.




The trade deadline is this week. Should we expect any major moves for the team?

The trade deadline is always an interesting time of year, and it's no different for us. We have some key players who are in a contract year, and while we value their contributions to the team, we're also looking at the bigger picture. We don't have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, and we're aware that the draft is expected to be loaded with generational talent. So, we're definitely keeping our options open.

That said, we're not in a rush to make any hasty decisions. We're evaluating all possibilities and considering what's best for the team both in the short term and long term. We have areas where we need to grow, and if the right opportunity presents itself, we'll certainly explore it. But any move we make will be calculated and in the best interest of the team's future.

So, should you expect major moves? I wouldn't rule anything out, but I also wouldn't say it's a certainty. We're in discussions, we're looking around, and if something makes sense for us, we'll pull the trigger. But it has to align with our goals and vision for this team moving forward.















Did you scout C.J. Stroud before the draft? If so, what stood out about him?

Yes, we did extensive scouting on C.J. Stroud leading up to the draft. He was one of three quarterbacks we had our eyes on, and he certainly had qualities that stood out. His arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ were all impressive. He showed the ability to make all the throws and had a good understanding of the game, which is something you always look for in a young quarterback.

However, we ultimately decided to go with Bryce Young, and we couldn't be happier with that decision. Bryce has shown tremendous promise and has already made significant contributions to our team. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been invaluable, and we're excited about his future with us. He's a young quarterback with a lot of upside, and we're committed to his development.

So while C.J. Stroud is undoubtedly a talented player, we're very comfortable with the decision we made to draft Bryce. We believe he's the right fit for our system and our team culture, and we're looking forward to seeing him continue to grow as a player.

How do you see the competition level in the NFC South currently?

The NFC South is shaping up to be a highly competitive division this season. Every team has its strengths and unique challenges, making each matchup a tough battle. We've seen some strong performances across the board, and it's clear that no win in this division is going to come easily. The level of talent and the quality of coaching in the NFC South make it one of the most unpredictable divisions in the league.

We're currently sitting at 2-4, but we're not taking that as an indicator of how the rest of the season will go. We've had some close games and hard-fought battles, and we're optimistic about turning things around. The bye week has given us a chance to regroup, and coming off a big win against the Dolphins, we're looking to carry that momentum forward.

It's still relatively early in the season, and a lot can change in the coming weeks. We're focused on one game at a time, and our immediate goal is to string together some wins and climb up the division standings. We have the talent and the determination to make a strong push, and we're excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.