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Panthers Receiver Tetairoa McMillan Misses Practice Before Key Patriots Matchup

Rookie standout Tetairoa McMillans calf injury casts uncertainty over the Panthers evolving offense ahead of a key matchup with the Patriots.

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a statement win in Week 3 - a 30-0 shutout over the Atlanta Falcons that turned a lot of heads. It was the kind of all-phases performance this team needed, and the passing game, in particular, showed real signs of life. But as they gear up for a tough matchup against the New England Patriots, there’s some concern around one of Bryce Young’s emerging weapons: rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan.

McMillan missed practice due to a calf injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. And while it’s still early in the week, any missed reps for a young receiver - especially one building clear chemistry with a developing quarterback - raises eyebrows.

Through three games, McMillan’s caught 14 balls for 216 yards. That’s not just decent rookie production; that’s a guy who’s quickly establishing himself as a go-to option in Carolina’s passing attack.

Sure, the box score from the Falcons game doesn’t scream breakout day - three catches on eight targets for 48 yards - but the target share tells a deeper story. Bryce Young is looking McMillan’s way often, and that’s no accident. He’s smooth off the line, has shown the ability to create separation downfield, and plays with a level of polish you don’t typically find in first-year receivers.

Inside the building, that talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Before McMillan even suited up for his first NFL snap, there were voices internally hyping what he brings to the table.

Smooth. Explosive.

Eye-catching. Those aren’t just buzzwords; that’s what he’s been in practice, and he’s translating that into Sundays.

Tetairoa McMillan Health Update

Now, the Panthers hope this calf issue is just a minor setback. With New England on deck - a defense that knows how to mix coverages and test young quarterbacks - Carolina needs all available hands.

If McMillan can’t go, expect Xavier Legette and Hunter Renfrow to see expanded roles. Legette offers size and physicality on the outside, while Renfrow is a savvy route-runner who can keep the chains moving in the slot.

One thing that’s helped take some pressure off Carolina’s young passing game? The ground attack.

Chuba Hubbard has quietly been a stabilizing force, grinding out tough yards and helping maintain balance on offense. While the passing game finds its rhythm, that run game remains the unit’s most dependable piece.

Still, make no mistake - McMillan is a key part of Carolina's offensive picture moving forward. The next milestone?

His first NFL touchdown. And if his early production is any indication, that trip to the end zone shouldn’t be far off - assuming he’s healthy enough to be on the field this Sunday.

Owner David Tepper Admits He Lacks the Competence to Run Football Operations
Can you believe it? David Tepper, the "notorious" owner of the Carolina Panthers, has finally "confessed" a truth that team fans have been waiting for years: He doesn't have enough ability to handle everything himself! But hold on, this isn't a "disaster" – it's a "positive twist" that's saving the Panthers! Is Tepper "letting go" to let the team soar? Read now to uncover the "secret" behind this shocking statement! David Tepper, the billionaire famous for his "deep interference" style in the Carolina Panthers, has undergone an astonishing positive change in ownership. Instead of "micromanaging" every decision like before, Tepper is now less involved, allowing football operations to run independently under the guidance of experts. The result? The team is achieving stability and success beyond expectations, currently tied for first in the NFC South with potential to return to the playoffs after many "sinking" seasons! At the annual charity event Joy to the Carolinas on December 9, 2025, Tepper expressed confidence in the organization's new direction, implicitly admitting that he's not a "superhero" who can run everything himself. He said: "It's not bad at all. It's pretty good; it's all just building blocks, and we'll see where we go. We'll see what happens. We think, as I've said, Dave Canales, Dan Morgan, Brandt Tilis, and everyone in the organization, we're building something special in Carolina. And we've built it outside the community. We're building it on the field, so that's the overall picture. Hopefully, we can continue and have that for many years. That's what we're looking for." This "confession" is actually a wise acknowledgment: Tepper recognizes past mistakes when pushing for quick results, leading to a series of disastrous failures like continuous coach firings and poor draft choices. Now, he supports his professional picks – like head coach Dave Canales, general manager Dan Morgan, and vice president Brandt Tilis – without "interfering." Instead, Tepper focuses on infrastructure (like stadium upgrades) and community efforts, transforming himself from a "demanding boss" to a "silent supporter"! The Panthers are exceeding expectations at the end of the season, with solid gameplay and higher team spirit than ever. Optimism is spreading without the "must-win now" pressure – something that once caused the team to "break apart" under old Tepper. Fans, after years of "disappointment," now appreciate Tepper's enthusiasm and improved role as a true asset. Many fans on social media comment: "Finally, Tepper knows to 'let go' – and the Panthers are soaring because of it!" Some even predict that if this approach is maintained, the Panthers could become the "big boss" of the NFC South for many years to come. But is this "admission" a sign that Tepper is about to sell the team? Or just a "ploy" to appease fans? The Panthers ownership scandal is "hotter than ever" – and Tepper's words could change the team's history! What do you think, is Tepper really "incompetent" or is he "playing fair"? Comment now and follow for the next NFL "drama"!