Dave Canales expects Darren Waller to play for Panthers against Bears

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed that tight end Darren Waller is prepared to participate in Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears. The game is scheduled to take place at Bank of America Stadium. Waller, who signed with the team approximately three weeks ago, is currently listed behind Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans on the depth chart. The Panthers have not seen a tight end surpass 350 receiving yards in a season since 2019. During his nine appearances for the Miami Dolphins in 2025, Waller recorded 283 yards and six touchdowns. Canales declined to provide specific details regarding how many snaps or what specific role the veteran tight end will occupy during the contest. The team enters the matchup looking to integrate his production into the offense.

• 5:08 PMYahoo Sports — Panthers HC Dave Canales is asked if TE Darren Waller will be active in Week 1 vs. Bears