While it hardly matters now, the Carolina Panthers have placed center Justin Hartwig on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. The good news here is Hartwig didn't damage his ACL and he should be ready for next season, providing, of course, he's still around.

   The Panthers are likely to give rookie Ryan Kalil a start on Sunday.

   "You look back at '04 and even last year to some degree, we've had our share of injury-plagued seasons, and one of the advantages of that is getting young guys much needed experience," coach John Fox said. "It's one thing to practice and prepare for it, but until you get out there and do it under pressure at game speed, you really don't know, whether you're a player or coach. That's been helpful. It'll be helpful for Ryan to get those game reps, although he's had a few so far but most of that was at guard. That will just help him and his development."

   The Panthers have yet to fill Hartwig's roster spot.