Kawann Short feeling 'blessed' as he enters eighth season

[Sir Purr]

NEWS AND NOTES


— Short, linebacker Tahir Whitehead, linebacker Shaq Thompson, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, left tackle Russell Okung, and running back Christian McCaffrey are Carolina's six captains.


"It's definitely a massive honor," McCaffrey said. "I'm excited to lead this team. We have a great group of captains, but we've got a lot of guys who are going to find a way to lead as well."


— Players are allowed to wear helmet decals honoring victims of systemic racism and police violence this season, and safety Tre Boston plans to sport one that reads, "Black Lives Matter."


"It's something that's important to all of us," Boston said. "It was something neat that they said we could do, and guys are willing to do it."


Boston revealed players are planning to meet Friday to decide if there will be a team demonstration for Sunday's game and what it would be.


— Rookie cornerback Troy Pride Jr. is in line to start his first game on Sunday. The fourth-round pick said this week has felt "surreal."


"It's something I've dreamed of, that I've prayed for, and I've worked for," Pride said. "I'm very excited and ready to compete."


Added Boston:


"He's a guy you can take to the side, tell him one or two things, and the next time he attacks it and does it right," Boston said.


— Because there won't be much noise in an empty Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, the Panthers are planning to move their offensive huddle father back from the line of scrimmage to reduce the chance the Raiders' defense can pick up an important aspect of the play call.


"It's really unique to this season," Rhule said.