What It Means:

Short was not present at last week's sessions, and he is expected to skip this week's practices as well. Black and Blue Review reports the absences are contract related, with Short likely trying to gain leverage in ongoing negotiations. These practices are technically voluntary, but Short could make a bigger statement by skipping mandatory minicamp next week. Considering Carolina let cornerback Josh Norman walk in part because they wanted to make a long-term investment in Short, there is little chance he reaches training camp without a new deal.

The Panthers ranked 11th in the league in 2015 in Adjusted Defensive Rushing Net Expected Points per play.