Offense bounces back in the rain

Reed spent all of last season with the Panthers on the practice squad, after first joining during training camp. He did not appear in a game, but was in Charlotte for the entirety of the season. It gave him time to immerse himself completely in the playbook, and the University of San Diego product took advantage of the access.

“He’s consistent, so he knows the concepts,” said Canales. “He’s a really smart guy, and he’s been that way since we got him. A guy we have a lot of trust in.”

On Sunday, Reed got a chance to show off all he’s learned, making plays consistently throughout practice, regardless of the coverage, drill, or situation. During 1-on-1s, he snuck past Corey Thornton with a smart, shifty move that led to defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley asking Thornton how the receiver pulled it off.

He showed up during low red zone drills, making himself available during scramble plays.

And he turned in one of the better plays of the day during 7-on-7. Kenny Pickett sent Reed deep down the middle of the field, where he outraced Isaiah Simmons and Robert Rochell, with Zakee Wheatley in close pursuit as well, to pull in an over-the-shoulder ball, dragging his feet as he fell to stay in bounds for the touchdown.

The entire offense sprinted from their sideline, Tetairoa McMillan dancing the whole way, to celebrate with Reed in the end zone.

“So he’s given (himself) a great chance to compete to make this roster with a lot of other guys,” shared Canales, “and so I’m proud of just seeing where he’s at right now.”