SUPPORT » The Panthers’ defensive line drills indicate the kind of def

ense we may expect to see this season."Rookie minicamp has started Stitched Donte Jackson Jersey , and it appears that the Carolina Panthers are going to roll with a hybrid defense this season. The defensive line drills were a point of interest in minicamp today, featuring defensive line coach Sam Mills III running the show. Here are some of the drills below:According to Charlotte Observer reporter Jourdan Rodrigue, Mills III instructed the players to align in both three and four-man fronts in today’s minicamp. This new hybrid defense contrasts the Panthers’ defensive front of years’ past: the traditional 4-3. It is time for the Panthers to consistently get to the quarterback at a rate faster than at least ten seconds, so this move seems like the right one. With the new acquisitions of Brian Burns and Christian Miller through the NFL Draft Youth DJ Moore Jersey , it makes complete sense for this team to turn to a hybrid defense. Interestingly enough, both Burns and Miller came from schools that used four-man fronts. Miller thrived under Alabama coach Nick Saban’s hybrid defense, and Burns displayed his first-round potential under a primarily 4-3 defense. The learning curve shouldn’t be too worrisome for Burns, though Stitched DJ Moore Jersey , considering that he already has the speed to be an excellent edge rusher in both three and four-man fronts. We will continue to see how the two rookies develop and perform under a brand new NFL defense, and it’s very intriguing to see how this Panthers defense will play out moving forward. The Panthers were back on the field today in preparation for their game on Monday night against the Saints, and one key player returned to practice while another was held out for the second straight day.Left tackle Chris Clark was back in action today after missing yesterday’s practice with a knee injury. That’s good news for his chances to play on Monday night. He hasn’t been the best left tackle in the league since being signed by the Panthers, but he has at least been a warm body with experience. It doesn’t count for much Youth Sam Mills Jersey , but it’s better than nothing.The bigger concern today is that defensive tackle Kawann Short missed his second straight day of practice with a calf injury. There’s one small sliver of hope that the Panthers are just being cautious with him due to the weather (it’s windy, rainy and cold in Charlotte). Hopefully that’s all it is, because if the Panthers go into Monday’s game without the best pass rushing defensive tackle available against Drew Brees... let’s just say it won’t be pretty.Rashaan Gaulden was back today after missing yesterday’s practice with an illness. That’s good news for his availability on Monday night because the Panthers will need him for depth. If he’s unable to go, the Panthers could activate Da’Norris Searcy from injured reserve if they’re comfortable with his recovery from the concussion he suffered. They have to make that decision soon Stitched Sam Mills Jersey , though, because his three-week window expires at the end of this week.Cam Newton was limited to non-throwing duty during the open media portion of practice, but that could simply be the team being cautious with the bad weather today. Unless something changes, he’s fully expected to suit up on Monday.Graham Gano was also held out of practice today Youth Greg Olsen Jersey , but hopes to be ready for Monday night.Here’s today’s full injury report:Panthers injury report Did not participate in practiceK Graham Gano (knee)DT Kawann Short (calf)Limited participation in practiceQB Cam Newton (shoulder)Full participation in practiceS Mike Adams (rest/wrist)OT Chris Clark (knee)LB Thomas Davis (rest)S Rashaan Gaulden (illness)DE Julius Peppers (rest)Practice StatusDid not participate in practice = 0% of a player’s normal repetitionsLimited participation in practice = Less than 100% of a player’s normal repetitionsFull participation in practice = 100% of a player’s normal repetitionsGame StatusOut = Player will not playDoubtful = Player unlikely to playQuestionable = Uncertain if player will play