Story by
Panthers bring back familiar face to complete their initial 2026 practice squad
- Story by
- Panthers bring back familiar face to complete their initial 2026 practice squad
The Carolina Panthers have assembled their initial practice squad for the 2026 season, with a familiar face as the cherry on top.
As announced on Tuesday, the Panthers have signed guard Chandler Zavala to the group. The 27-year-old was waived on Monday to make room for fellow interior lineman Corey Bullock, who was claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens .
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Carolina selected Zavala, a North Carolina State University product, in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He's gone on to make 14 starts over 34 career games.
Zavala is now the 17th and final addition to the team's initial practice squad. The group, in its entirety, is as follows:
Panthers' initial 2026 practice-squad members
-
RB Tre Tyus
-
WR David Moore
-
WR Ja'seem Reed
-
WR Casey Washington
-
OL Isaia Glass
-
OL Torricelli Simpkins
-
G Jake Curhan
-
G Chandler Zavala
-
OLB Cam Gill
-
ILB Mapalo Mwansa (international exception)
-
ILB Tyrel Dodson
-
DL Anthony Goodlow
-
DL Parker Petersen
-
CB Zion Childress
-
CB DeVonta Smith
-
CB Corey Thornton
-
S Isaiah Simmons
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as it rains before the game between the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (left) talks to other players before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales runs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/25
Tetairoa McMillan praises red-hot Panthers OC Brad Idzik
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik on the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) looks on before the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; A general view as the Carolina Panthers flag leads the team onto the field before the gam against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevis Gipson (52) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) celebrates with linebacker Trevin Wallace (32) after a play against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett (12) looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (28) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans running back Owen Wright (42) is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (46) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (49) reaches for a fumble against Houston Texans running back Deuce Vaughn (31) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Cam Gill (left) celebrates with linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) after recovering a fumble against the Houston Texans during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Cam Miller (42) runs with the ball after making an interception during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (81) runs with the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Aiden Fisher (59) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell (85) reaches for the ball against Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III (34) runs with the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans \at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Kyle Trask (14) passes the ball during the first half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Davis (37) reacts after a play during the second half against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) runs with the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive end Elijah Garcia (96) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Harrison-Hunte (94) with head coach Dave Canales after their game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
25
/25
Best photos from Panthers' preseason win over Texans
Aug 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (left) and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
(Bob Donnan, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers bring back familiar face to complete their initial 2026 practice squad
