Well, what promised to be a quiet day at Bank of America Stadium might develop into something more.

   The media has been asked by the public relations staff to stick around for an extra 30 minutes for a press conference here at the stadium. The Panthers are being very secretive about this. I'm not sure what it involves, but perhaps it's a contract extension or some type of formal retirement. Based on the tone here at the stadium my guess is that someone is getting a contract extension.

   This is just speculation, but the list of possibilities includes Julius Peppers, John Kasay, Chris Gamble and coach John Fox and/or GM Marty Hurney.

   Check back here at Carolina Growl soon for an update very soon.

   The Carolina Panthers held their only practice of the week, a light walkthrough, at the practice fields adjacent to Bank of America Stadium. Only about a handful of starters practiced as coach John Fox gave the rest of the crew time to rest their legs.

   Most of the players are heading out of town Wednesday night.

   The players have Thursday through Sunday off before returning to work on Monday to begin preparing for the Oakland Raiders.

   "I just want them to rest. I don't encourage them to not go anywhere. That would be different. But I just tell them to be safe and be smart, no different than when the building every night. I trust them. You earn trust. It's not given you. We'll see how they handle it."

   Although the Carolina Panthers entered the season with only one scheduled appearance on national television (Dec. 8 against Tampa Bay Dec. 8 on Monday Night Football), there's a decent chance they could end up with one or two more during the second half of the season.

   With the Panthers now 6-2, they've become a playoff contender and NBC, which televises Sunday night games, could decide to pounce on the Cardiac Cats and move them to the prime time slot at 8:15 p.m. as part of the NFL's flex scheduling plan. Flex scheduling begins in Week 11 (Nov. 16).

   It seems the best chances for games to be moved are these (all are road games): Nov. 23 at Atlanta, Nov. 30 at Green Bay, Dec. 21 at the New York Giants or Dec. 28 at New Orleans.

   Let's take a closer look at the possibilities:

   Nov. 16 vs. Detroit: Won't happen. Detroit is awful

   Nov. 23 at Atlanta: It's a possibility, although a small one. The game currently scheduled is Indianapolis vs. San Diego, but both of those teams are struggling. In some ways, NBC may want to keep that game since it could be an elimination game.

   Nov. 30 at Green Bay: A ha, now this could be a possibility, especially if Green Bay stays strong. The game currently slated for the prime time slot is Chicago (4-3) at Minnesota (3-4). They are average teams, while Carolina (6-2) vs. Green Bay (4-3) could translate into a better game, depending on what happens in the NFC North over the next few weeks. My God it would probably be cold in Green Bay that night.

   Dec. 8 vs . Tampa Bay: Can't happen. Panthers are locked into playing on Monday night.

   Dec. 14 vs. Denver: Won't happen. NBC has the New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys game scheduled here and that's like trading the Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees for the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Houston Astros. From a ratings standpoint that would just be stupid.

   Dec. 21 at N.Y. Giants: Possible. On the surface, this looks like a no-brainer as it could have huge playoff implications, possibly even determining the top seed in the NFC. (Don't be afraid to dream, Panther fans). However, NBC does have the Giants the week before, so I'm not sure if  they'll want them in back-to-back weeks. Then again, why not? The game currently slotted is San Diego at Tampa Bay, which is only intriguing if the Chargers (2-5) find a way to turn things around.

   Dec. 28 at New Orleans: This is possible, too -- if the Saints make a run. NBC doesn't currently have a game scheduled for this date (on purpose) and will pick one six days ahead of time based on playoff implicatons. If this game has playoff implications, it could be a possibility.

   NOTE: Just as the six major college football conferences have done for many years, the NFL will have the flexibility to move the start times of games on Sundays, using a 12-day notice format. For example, a game scheduled for a Sunday could move from a 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff to an 8:15 p.m. start, but the change would be made and announced no later than the prior Tuesday (12 days before the game). It is only six days for the Week 17 game. Keep in mind that FOX and CBS have the right to "block" certain games from being moved, so that could play into some decisions, too.

   The Panthers will be without defensive tackle Darwin Walker today, who is sidelined with minor neck injury after being involved in a fender bender over the weekend. Walker is inactive for today's game, along with receivers D.J. Hackett and Kenneth Moore, safety C.J. Wilson, linebacker Adam Seward, center Ryan Kalil and tackle Jeff Otah. Matt Moore is the third quarterback.

   Inactive for Arizona are strong safety Oliver Celestin, tackles Elliot Valeejo and Brandon Keith, defensive tackle Alan Branch, defensive end Kenny Iwebemam and tight ends Leonard Pope and Ben Patrick. Brian St. Pierre is the third quarterback. Anquan Boldin will play for the Cardinals.

   The Carolina Panthers are expected to hold center Ryan Kalil and right tackle Jeff Otah out of Sunday's game as expected. Both Otah and Kalil were held out of their third straight practice on Friday and are listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.

   Coach John Fox said the decision has nothing to do with the upcoming bye week.

   Meanwhile wide receiver D.J. Hackett (knee) participated in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable. But he might benefit from two more weeks of no contract. Besides, the team has Dwayne Jarrett to fill in for him, so there's no need to rush Hackett back.

   Also, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, safety Chris Harris and linebacker Thomas Davis are all listed as probable. They all practiced "full" on Friday.

   It looks as though the plan is to hold out center Ryan Kalil and right tackle Jeff Otah out of one more game and then give them another week of rest during the bye week. Both players missed their second straight day of practice on Thursday with sprained ankles, making it highly unlikely they will start vs. Arizona.

   In other news, safety Chris Harris was excused for personal reasons. Muhsin Muhammad returned to practice and D.J. Hackett practiced on a limited basis.

    Julius Peppers had some interesting comments on Wednesday in the locker room. Here's a quick teaser of a story I'm working on....

   When owner Jerry Richardson challenged Julius Peppers in the 2007 training camp to step up and become a leader on defense, it put Carolina’s star defensive end in an awkward situation. Peppers said he didn’t feel like he could that with Mike Rucker still around.

   “He’s the guy who when I first came here I hung onto and tried to learn from,” Peppers said. “I respected him as much as you can respect anybody. I can’t really be myself around him and try to take over – if you want to call it the big dog role of the defense with him still in it.

   “I respect him that much. I didn’t want to step on his toes or try to go over him. So last year I kind of fell back a little bit and let Rucker do his thing.”

   More to come later...

   --Wide receiver D.J. Hackett returned to practice on Wednesday on a limited basis. However, center Ryan Kalil and Jeff Otah did not work with the team. Don't be surprised if both are held out this week to give them extra time to rest. After Arizona, the Panthers have a bye.

   Thomas Davis (shoulder) was limited in practice.

   Also, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad was given the day off.

   According to the Arizona Republic, wide receiver Anquan Boldin hopes to play this week against the Carolina Panthers. Bolding has not played since taking a nasty hit on Sept. 28 against the New York Jets. It will be interesting to see what impact he has if he plays.

   Here's the link:

    http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2008/10/20/20081020cardsON.html

On the injuries: Really, nothing new to report on the injury front -- just some bumps and bruises, but nothing to report.  Thomas Davis left briefly and came back; he had a little neck sprain.  Really, from the game, that's about (all) I recall.

On the status of center Ryan Kalil and right tackle Jeff Otah: They'll be listed day-to-day come Wednesday.  We'll kind of wait and see; they've got a couple of good days here to rest today and tomorrow.  We'll see how they come along, but I think they're getting closer.

On whether there's a temptation to rest Kalil and Otah this week with the bye week coming after that? No, my feeling has always been that if they're ready, they play; if they're not, they don't.  So if they're ready next week (and) they're cleared, they'll play.

On feeling good about the defense's effort Sunday: I've felt good about our defense most of the season.  I think they've given us opportunities to win.  I think when you play good defense, that's part of the formula.  We've done it pretty well five times, and two times we could have done a little better.  But I've been pleased with them overall to date.  We still have a lot of football left.

On getting another pass-intensive opponent in Arizona after dealing with a similar team in New Orleans: Well, they're high-powered, there's no question.  They lead the National Football League in scoring.  We played them last year; we know what kind of weapons they have at the wide receiver position.  I think Kurt Warner is playing exceptionally.  They've got a big, physical offensive line.  I haven't even really started to study them yet.  I know what they're about and I know they create a lot of problems schematically on defense.  So it'll definitely be a stiff competition.  I believe they lead their division.  It's a conference game.  So it's a big game.

On how he feels about the running game through seven games: Again, I think both our backs are averaging 4.0 (yards) a carry.  Would I like to be better?  Sure. But it's not all bad.  I think we've been a little bit hampered by some of the musical chairs in the offensive line.  I don't think that ever helps.  It's not blaming anybody or using excuses; it's just the reality.  But overall I'm pleased to be 5-2 and I'm pleased with our run game, moreso this week than last week.

On the punt protection Sunday: It was something that, again, we've had some unusual things happen there.  Some of it is personnel -- I think when you drop a punt, those aren't things you plan in practice and I think Jason Baker didn't, either.  But we just keep plugging away.  I thought we had a great test yesterday with what New Orleans brought to the table as far as pressure and punt returning, and I thought our guys answered the bell.  I thought minus the one play against Chicago -- the punt block -- that our other punt snaps were pretty good against one of the best punt-return teams in the league as far as what we were able to do.

On John Kasay's performance: He's a remarkable guy.  He's been here for all 100 of those wins that this organization has had.  For a kicker -- most people look at a kicker and they don't think of a leader, of (someone who is) a big part of that locker room, and in his case, it's remarkable; he's got as much respect in that locker room as probably anybody.  I think it says a lot for him -- not just on the field, but off the field.  What he's done is remarkable.  I think there's been a couple of kickers that have done that in that realm as far as length of career, but not many.

On whether not kicking off has kept Kasay's leg fresh this year: I can't really answer that.   He had a bad injury some time ago.  Coming off of that for a kicker -- being your plant leg in particular -- and I think that does affect you, probably more on kickoffs than on long field-goal attempts.  You'd have to ask him that.  I'm pleased with his leg; I'm pleased with (how) he's hit some long field goals already this year.

On the pass protection: I think our pass protection in games where we've had to throw it is probably not quite as good as it is in other games.  I think the ability to run the ball and the threat of the run has a lot to do with helping your protection.  It's philosophically what I believe in, and what a lot of teams that have success in this league believe in.

On the injury-spawned shuffling on the offensive line: I've liked, for the most part, the offensive line we've had out there.  We've had guys like Frank Omiyale, Jeremy Bridges and Geoff Hangartner step in.  That's why you keep a 53-man roster.  Having depth on that roster is critical -- whether it's been (used) mid-stream of the game or at the start of a game.  I was asked the question -- what about our running game?  It's been sufficient and it's been good.  I think part of the issues have been rotating the offensive line.  It's just the truth.  But it's not the ability; it's the change.  I think a lot was made of the changes in the offseason, and what that would be like.  Well, we didn't know until we started playing.  That's what happens when you have change.  Sometimes it works out fine.

On not knowing what the Panthers have on the offensive line because of the number of injuries to the unit: I've liked, for the most part, the offensive line that we've had out there. We've had guys -- Frank Omiyale, Jeremy Bridges, Geoff Hangartner -- step in. That's why you keep a 53-man roster, and having depth on that roster is critical, whether it's been midstream in a game to even the start of a game as far as who we've had out there. I was asked the question, "What about our running game?" I think it's been sufficient; I think it's been good. I think part of the issues have been rotating the offensive line. That's just the truth, but it's not been abilities. A lot was made on our changes in the offseason, what that would be like. Well, we didn't really know until we started playing. That's what happens when you have change. Sometimes it works out fine.

On the benefit of playing to "passing" teams back-to-back: We gave up more rush yards against the team yesterday than maybe some of the teams that highlighted the run. It's just different. You kind of realize what they really want to do and you try to take that away. There's not an exact formula but ours has typically been to try to take away what they do best. Statistics don't really tell you sometimes how the game is going.

On if he is concerned about the number of dropped interceptions by the defensive backs: After a win that's a lot easier to joke about. It's the same with me. It's liked blocked punts and you still find a way to win versus when you don't. Being on defense it's better to be known as ricochet than toast. The pass breakups are still a positive play, so let's not lose the concept that those are still good plays defensively, just maybe not as great as they could have been.

On rookie safety Charles Godfrey: He's done a remarkable job. He is still a rookie. We had a little cross up yesterday late in the game on a similar play they ran earlier, which he made a tremendous play. I think he's doing really well. I think he's got a bright future. It's important to him. He gives some coverability and some speed back there that we may or may not have had in recent times.

On if he is impressed with how Godfrey has picked up the game mentally: Yeah -- from day one. Like I said, it's real important to him. He's a smart, young man and he works at it. He obviously has the skills or we wouldn't have taken him with that high of a pick. Sometimes as a coach you don't know what their work ethic is like and how they go about their business. He's just going to get better. I've been nothing but impressed.

On if it is common for players to share information with other teams about their previous team: Any time players change teams, they probably learned something while they were there -- at least, hopefully, they did. They probably share that information. I think that's all part of football or any sport. I think when players change (teams) they have some information probably from their past team, and usually that gets shared. Sometimes you put too much into that and you lose focus on what you should be focusing on, so I don't know that it's that huge of an advantage.

On what Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner special: When he was in St. Louis he was making those fast decisions and very accurate; and he's kind of had a resurgence of that and he looks to be playing outstanding. I think at one time he was doing that as well as anybody and I'm seeing flashes of that now. But he is a very quick decision maker and a very accurate passer.

   Carolina Panthers coach John Fox reported no injuries from Sunday's game other than "a few bumps and bruises."

   Also, Fox said he'll know more about the status of right tackle Jeff Otah and Ryan Kalil later in the week. There's the perception that the Panthers might hold both players out this week with the bye lingering the following weekend, but Fox dispelled that notion.

   "My thought has always been if they're ready to play, then they will play," Fox said.

3rd QUARTER: Just received word that Reggie Bush's day is over. He apparently reaggravated a knee injury on a punt return at the end of the first half. The word from the press box is Bush will not return. Bush ran for 55 yards on nine carries in the first half and had one reception for 5 yards.

1ST QUARTER: Muhsin Muhammad was taken to the locker room for an undisclosed injury, but has since returned and is back on the sidelines.

PREGAME:  Anyway, here are the inactives:

   For Carolina: OT Jeff Otah, C Ryan Kalil, WR D.J. Hackett, S C.J. Wilson, LB Adam Seward, WR Kenneth Moore, DT Gary Gibson, QB Matt Moore (3rd QB).

   For New Orleans: WRs David Patten, Courtney Roby and Terrance Copper, CB Aaron Glenn, T Jermon Bushrod and DTs Antwan Lake and Sedrick Ellis, QB Joey Harrington (3rd QB).

   One quick note from Saturday....

   Running back Jonathan Stewart has been upgraded from questionable to probable for Sunday's game, according to the team. We told you on Friday that you can expect him to play even though he missed practice with an illness. Stewart should be ready to go when the Saints come marching in.

   The chances of the Carolina Panthers getting their starting five offensive linemen back on the field for Sunday's game against New Orleans appear slim. Right tackle Jeff Otah and center Ryan Kalil didn't practice for the second straight day Friday because of lingering ankle injuries and are listed as doubtful on the team's injury report.

   "You are always hopeful," coach John Fox said. "They are starters and you hope they are out there. I still hold out a little hope even at this point."

   When asked if he's anxious to get his original starting five back on the field, Fox said, "That would be nice."

   Also, running back Jonathan Stewart was added the injury report as questionable after missing practice Friday with an illness.

   However, Fox expects him to play.

   "He should be fine, but we have to list him," Fox said.

   Also, wide receiver D.J. Hackett (knee) is out, linebacker Adam Seward (thigh) is questionable and linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle) and wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee) are probable.

   It's starting to look like the Carolina Panthers won't have their starting offensive line together this week after all.

   One day after the Panthers finally had all five linemen on the field working together, the team sat out right tackle Jeff Otah and center Ryan Kalil after both developed soreness in their ankles. Wide receiver D.J. Hackett, who is probably a couple of weeks away from returning, also did not practice.

   On the bright side, linebacer Thomas Davis, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and linebacker Adam Seward all participated "full" in Thursday's practice after participating on a "limited" basis Wednesday.

   As for the Saints, running back Reggie Buish (knee), defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis (knee) and Antwan Lake (groin),  cornerback Mike McKenzie (knee) and guards Jahir Evans (ankle) and Carl Nicks (illness) did not practice on Wednesday. We'll see if Bush returns today.

   The Carolina Panthers are getting healthy.

   Wide receiver D.J. Hackett was the only player on the 53-man roster who did not practice on Wednesday. Five players participated on a "limited" basis -- right tackle Jeff Otah (ankle), center Ryan Kalil (ankle), linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle), wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee) and linebacker Adam Seward (thigh).

   Hey folks, here are some quotes from both locker rooms. But the way, don't forget to check out our videos from in the locker room after the game. Click on multimedai at the top of the Carolina Growl page and then click on Panthers Videos. Then, just hit play.

PANTHERS COACH JOHN FOX on the loss: “Anytime you lose, it’s a wake up. As I mention to you guys all the time, whether you lose it on the road or you lose at home, lose it in hot, lose it in cold, it still bites. It still stings when you lose. We’ll take it for what it was, it was a loss. They got after us pretty good today and we’ll just learn from it and move on.”

PANTHERS QB JAKE DELHOMME on what Tampa Bay did to stop him: “Well one, they swarmed to the football today.  The running game, we just didn’t get it established.  And the passing game, we tried to find things there, but they have very good cover guys and their linebackers were excellent, and there wasn’t a whole lot there.  They are very sound in what they do.  They do it well, they know where they belong, and that’s what makes them so tough.  They are just so well-coached.”

PANTHERS DE JULIUS PEPPERS on if he’s surprised by the outcome: “No, obviously we would have wanted it to go the other way but it’s a good football team we played against.  If you don’t play well and execute you’re going to get beat and that’s what happened.”

PANTHERS WR STEVE SMITH on a letdown from last week: “I don’t think last week softened up this week. I think we were playing a good team and we got down on early. When you get down early, you can’t do anything about it. You got to get off your game plan. You got to start changing up the routine that you thought you were going to have. I don’t think success softens you up. If you’re soft, you’re soft, either you win or you lose. I don’t think we are over confident. We were down.  The first set of downs we open up, you look up, and it’s 7-0, or 6-0. That’s hard.”

PANTHERS RB DEANGELO WILLIAMS on the early turnovers: “Yes, it does put you behind the eight ball. I don’t know many teams in the NFL that you can give three turnovers to and expect to win the game. But, we still went with the mindset. We did not give up and we kept on fighting. We have to eliminate turnovers. We didn’t give our defense much of a shot today from an offensive standpoint. Special teams did not help us out. I think we played bad in all three phases. I got to give it to the Bucs, they did a great job of playing us today.”

BUCS HEAD COACH JON GRUDEN on using Ernest Graham at fullback: “We’re a two-back team. After we lost Byron [Storer], we ran some single-back plays and had some success. Then, we regrouped on the sidelines, got Alex Smith ready to be a fullback, which is a contingency plan every week. Earnest Graham came out of nowhere and said, ‘I can do this.’ He did a great job.”

GRUDEN on the defense’s interceptions: “We had pressure and mixed coverages. Monte [Kiffin] did a great job again with his staff. Our players played their hearts out today and we have some opportunistic guys. We let three of four interceptions get away. We could have had three or four others. You saw the game. They were impact plays. We have guys with range and tremendous ability and they hit today. I was really impressed with the way our football team hit today.”

 
BUCS RB WARRICK DUNN on the game: “We feel like we’re a good football team, but at the same time we haven’t put it together for 60 minutes.  Today, we had an opportunity to put it together.  We played well for 60 minutes, all three phases. So this was a huge game for this football team.”

BUCS C JEFF FAINE on beating a division foe: “Huge, it’s huge.  You know these guys would have gone up two games on us; it’s huge for us to be able to get this win, especially at home.  You know we had trouble playing them away at their home.  The style that we did it, coming out there for the first series and getting pumped up for that touchdown is huge and then to keep it up the entire game.”

BUCS QB QB JEFF GARCIA on the energy he brought to the field: “I think the main thing for me as a player, I need to play with emotion, I need to play with energy, I need to have a certain excitement about myself when I step out on the field.  If I don’t have that, then I am not who I need to be and I’m not who I need to be for these players, for my teammates.  It wasn’t so much being away from the game for the past four weeks as much as it was realizing what I needed to do to in order to get myself back to where I can be myself on the field.  I feel like my preparation and my work ethic over the past four weeks have been good and I did not want to be that guy who is going to turn it around and say ‘why me’, not be selfish in any sort of way, but be positive and supportive towards my teammates and toward Brian [Griese] when he was in the game.  I had to realize that because the way this game is, that opportunity can present itself again and when it does present itself, do what you have done in the past and take advantage of the opportunity.  This is just one game.  We don’t know what is going to happen next, but to be out there on the field today was exciting for me.  It felt great.  It felt great to be at home in front of a great crowd and playing against a good football team.  Now if we can just build on these things, we have a lot of good things to look forward to.”

BUCS DE KEVIN CARTER on stopping the run: “What we really want to accomplish in a game is stopping the run, putting pressure on the quarterback, getting turnovers, winning the field position battle, all those key elements. Things that you really try to do as a defense to help your team, not only your offense score and we did all those things today. We were very fortunate, they are a good team, they have a good quarterback, and they have been playing really well, and they have been playing with a lot of confidence, but today we made some good things happen. We played sound and strong against the run. We hit them and got some turnovers early and we were able to shift the momentum on our side and keep it there. Today was a good effort and we’re definitely proud of that.”

   Center Ryan Kalil (ankle) and receiver D.J. Hackett (knee) did not make the trip to Tampa with the team and will not play Sunday against the Bucs. That doesn't come as much of a surprise as neither practiced this past week and both were listed as doubtful on the injury report.

   Look for Geoff Hangartner to start at center, while Dwayne Jarrett will be the No. 3 receiver.

   Jon Gruden talked about the progress of Jeff Garcia, who will almost certainly start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers with Brian Griese missing the entire week of practice.

   “You didn’t see [Garcia] in training camp nor did anybody else,” coach Jon Gruden told the Pewter Report on Friday.  ”When he did come back the signs of a Jeff Garcia weren’t in my vision.  I couldn’t see him clearly like I’ve always seen him.  He relies on a certain style and he plays with certain creativity.  Now I feel the functional movement in the pocket, the energy he brings to the position, the crispness, accuracy and the anticipation of throws.  I just feel he’s back to being the guy that we all know and really respect.”

OK, here is Carolina's injury report:

DOUBTFUL: WR D.J. Hackett (DNP -- did not practice), C Ryan Kalil (DNP).

QUESTIONABLE: OT Jordan Gross (FP - full practice), OT Jeff Otah (FP), S Quinton Teal (FP), DT Darwin Walker (FP).

PROBABLE: LB Na'il Diggs (FP), QB Matt Moore (FP).

More on this is a minute...

   Offensive tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah returned to practice on Thursday and could start this week against Tampa Bay. Linebacker Na'il Diggs, defensive tackle Darwin Walker and safety Quinton Teal were also back to work and appear ready to go.

   "It's always see guys out there practicing, especially guys who are starting for you previously," coach John Fox said.

   Center Ryan Kalil and receiver D.J. Hackett did not practice. Geoff Hangartner will start if Kalil can't go.

   Panthers running back De Angelo Williams was nominated as one of the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for his three-touchdown performance in Week 5 against Kansas City.  Fans can vote for Williams at www.nfl.com. The NFL will announce the winners on Friday.

   The winners are determined solely by online fan votes.

   The best part is that if Williams wins FedEx will make a $1,000 donation in Williams’ name to the local Safe Kids USA coalition in Charlotte. FedEx is teamed up with Safe Kids USA – a national non-profit organization that works to prevent accidental injury among children – to deliver safer kids by making weekly $1,000 donations in the winning players’ cities. The funding directly benefits pedestrian safety improvements throughout the year.

    Quarterbacks ELI MANNING of the New York Giants, BEN ROETHLISBERGER of the Pittsburgh Steelers and KURT WARNER of the Arizona Cardinals are the finalists for the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on October 5 - 6, while running backs RONNIE BROWN of the Miami Dolphins, CLINTON PORTIS of the Washington Redskins and DE ANGELO WILLIAMS of the Carolina Panthers are the finalists for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced today.

   Panthers star wide receiver Steve Smith will provide instruction and participate in drills next Tuesday with the Lake Norman High School football team, which was recently crowned the winner of the “Powerade Coach for the Day” essay contest.

   Smith will serve as an honorary member of the Mooresville school’s coaching staff, offering gridiron tips, delivering a pep talk, participating in team drills and activities and signing autographs. In addition to Smith’s guidance, the school will receive 70 cases of Powerade to keep them hydrated during the intense workouts.

   The Wildcats’ winning entry was submitted by their kicker, Sully Shidler, who penned 89 words to explain why his team would benefit from Smith’s coaching.

   Just walked out of the press conference Monday with coach John Fox. He said he has no injury updates yet on wide receiver D.J. Hackett (knee), defensive end Hilee Taylor (knee) and center Ryan Kalil (ankle). However, Fox said he doesn't believe any are of the season-ending nature.

   He said the team won't have any updates until Wednesday.

   We'll keep you updated as we move forward.

   Hey Panthers fans:

   In an effort to continue bringing you the very best Panthers coverage, I'm pleased to let you know we now have videos from interviews after the game and a photo slideshow of the game available on Carolina Growl. All you have to do is click on "Multimedia" at the top of the page and then click on "Panthers videos" in the dropdown box. It's pretty self-explanatory from there.

   I took video after the game of Jake Delhomme and Thomas Davis. (Don't mind my shaky hands, I'm just getting used to it). The clips have to be short (less than 45 seconds) to comply with NFL rules. Also, our photography department, led by John Clark -- who is absolutely one the best in the business -- have put together a great slideshow with photos from the game. We will have a photo slideshow after every home game.

   Hope you enjoy and give us some feedback when you can!!!

   Steve Reed

   4TH QUARTER: Wide receiver Steve Smith was shaken up on the first play of the fourth quarter after getting decked by linebacker Bernard Pollard. Smith was down on the sidelines for awhile before finally getting up. He's now walking around the sidelines and appears fine.

   After Smith went down, the Panthers quickly replaced Delhomme with Josh McCown with Carolina solidly in control leading 31-0.

   I'm sensing a defensive touchdown is coming for the Panthers, how about you?

   HALFTIME: Sort of figured this one would be a rout and it's been just that so far. The Panthers lead 21-0 behind three touchdowns by DeAngelo Williams and have completely dominated. Get this: The Panthers have outgained the Chiefs 291-28 in the first half. They have 15 first downs to the Chiefs one.

   Let's see if the Panthers can close the deal.

   1st QUARTER: Wide receiver D.J. Hackett has been taken to the locker room with a knee injury. His return is questionable. He was injured on the opening kickoff. He was also flagged for a hit below the knees. Hackett's injury could be significant given Ryne Robinson and Dwayne Jarrett are inactive.

   That leaves Carolina with only three receivers -- Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad and Mark Jones, who has never caught an NFL pass. Look for a lot of two tight end sets for the Panthers the rest of the way if Hackett remains out.    

   PRE-GAME: It's official, Frank Omiyale will make his first NFL start at left tackle for the Panthers in place of Jordan Gross., according to the team's pre-game release. Also, Jeremy Bridges will start at right tackle.

   Inactive for the Panthers today: QB Matt Moore, WR Ryne Robinson, WR Dwayne Jarrett, S Quinton Teal (ankle), LB James Anderson, OT Jordan Gross (concussion), OT Jeff Otah (ankle), DT Gary Gibson.

   Inactive for the Chiefs: QB Brodie Croyle, QB Ingle Martin, LB Napoleon Harris, LB Donnie Edwards, G Brian De La Puente, OT Branden Albert, WR Mark Bradley, DT T.J. Jackson.

    Defensive end Julius Peppers was fined $10,000 by the NFL for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan last Sunday.

   Peppers was flagged by referee Ed Hockuli for a roughing-the-passer on the play Sunday, which nullified cornerback Richard Marshall's interception return for a touchdown early in the first quarter in Carolina's 24-9 win.

   Replays appeared to show Peppers led with his shoulder. However, the league ruled that Peppers hit Ryan in the head, drawing the fine and supporting Hochuli's on-field call.

Jordan Gross is out and Jeff Otah is doubtful for Sunday.

Here's the story, folks:

http://carolinagrowl.com/Read.aspx?Story=774

   Panthers starting tackles Jordan Gross (concussion) and Jeff Otah (ankle) missed their second straight day of practice on Thursday. Coach coach John Fox wouldn't rule out either player from Sunday's game -- they're day-to-day -- but it looks as though the team will have to go with Plan B.

   If Otah can't start, then look for Jeremy Bridges to step in at right tackle.

   If Gross is out, which is more likely given he was knocked out last week, then the team could give Frank Omiyale his first NFL start or move Travelle Wharton to left tackle and start Geoff Hangartner at left guard.

   In other injury news, linebacker Na'il Diggs (illness) did not practice. Also out were safety Quinton Teal (ankle) and quarterback Matt Moore (knee).

   Receiver Ryne Robinson (knee) practiced only on a limited basis.

   Cornerback Ken Lucas (ankle), who did not practice on Wednesday, returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday.

   Quarterback Jake Delhomme practiced for the second straight day and is good to go for Sunday's game against Kansas City.

   Offensive tackle Jordan Gross (concussion) and Jeff Otah (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday, nor did cornerback Ken Lucas (ankle), quarterback Matt Moore (knee) or safety Quinton Teal (ankle).

   Jake Delhomme participated in all of practice and was also named the NFC's Offensive Player of the Week for his role in Carolina's 24-9 win over Atlanta.