Panthers HC Dave Canales makes his feelings known on Cam Newton’s return to Carolina ahead of playoff game against Rams

Dave Canales will play a playoff game for the first time as head coach on Saturday, and he will have a special guest watching his team play.

Thursday, the Carolina Panthers announced that Cam Newton will beat the “Keep Pounding” drum on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. This marks the 2015 MVP’s return to Bank of America Stadium, more than four years after he played his last game with them.

Asked about developments on Thursday, Canales said:

“For me, it’s just we can use all the help we can get. Talk about bringing the juice, that momentum he can give. I think of Cam, I think of the aura. The biggest person, but it’s not just about size, it’s also about personality.”

Cornerback Jaycee Horn also reacted to the appearance then scheduled for Wednesday:

“It will be electric. It will be something that everyone wants to see. It will mean a lot to this organization, a lot to this city.”

ALSO READ: ‘Cam Newton back in playoff game before Jets’: NFL fans react as Panthers legend returns to Carolina for special role in wild-card game against Rams

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Dave Canales gives Panthers tough message ahead of playoff return

It’s been eight years since the Panthers last made the playoffs and ten years since they hosted a playoff game. And Dave Canales has some words of wisdom for them.

In the same press briefing, he said:

“It’s special, and it’s important that we recognize it, lean into it, and feed off that energy. At the same time, we have to stay the course and execute the most fundamental parts. Because if you get too excited and caught up in the moment, you can sacrifice technique, and sometimes you can go too far and that’s not what I want either.”

A positive development for the team is the return of the guard Robert Huntwho was activated from injured reserve Friday after not playing since Week 2 due to a torn biceps. Before that, Canales had been “very optimistic” about his chances of playing, let alone starting:

“The status is questionable, but he had a great day. He had another fantastic day. He was out there with his guys. … We’re not going to put him out part-time. And that’s it. This is the only game we have.”

Kickoff for the Panthers-Rams game is 4:35 p.m. ET on Fox.