1. Starting weakside linebacker Na'il Diggs was carted off the field with an apparent hamstring injury and did not return. Diggs, of course, was expected to be replaced by Jon Beason this season. However, Beason is still a holdout. With Diggs out, James Anderson filled with the first team.

   2. Defensive end Mike Rucker made another big step on Monday, participating in a portion of contact drills. Rucker seems determined to make certain he's the team's starting right defensive end in September.

   3. Keep in mind, the team hasn't begun full tackling drills, but DeAngelo Williams looks terrific thus far in practice.

   4. Dan Morgan still isn't participating in contact drills. He's does work in 7-on-7 drills, but comes out when the team goes to team drills as a precautionary measure. Clearly the Panthers are still treating him with kids' gloves.

   5. Nate Salley made a great downfield interception, stealing a pass away Steve Smith. That helps in his effort to win the starting job at strong safety.

   6. Jeremy Bridges is still working as the team's starting right guard.

   7. John Kasay looks as accurate as ever.

   8. The weather has been very mild (mid-80s) so far, but all of a sudden the sun has broken through the clouds this afternoon. It seems the Spartanburg heat has returned.