Carolina Panthers star defensive end Julius Peppers did not accompany his teammates to Philadelphia for tonight's exhibition game against the Eagles (kickoff 7 p.m.). Instead, Peppers stayed behind to rest after becoming ill at training camp on Thursday.

   Peppers did not practice Thursday morning and returned early to Charlotte for tests.

   It's unclear at this point exactly what's bothering Pep, but he missed a few days earlier in training camp because of sickness. We should know more later tonight after speaking with head coach John Fox, but at this moment it's not believed to be anything serious.

   Among the others who did not  make the trip to Philadelphia were safety Nate Salley, cornerback Curtis DeLoatch and receivers Justin McCullum and Josh Davis.