There were a couple of mild surprises listed on the Panthers game day inactive list this morning.

   Stanley McClover, the team's No. 3 defensive end, will not play because of a thigh injury. McClover had told me earlier in the week that he would play. Strangely enough, the Panthers also listed rookie defensive end Charles Johnson as inactive, leaving the team with only three defensive ends -- Mike Rucker, Julius Peppers and Otis Grigsby -- heading into the today's game.

   Also, rookie wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett will be inactive. That's another sign that Jarrett has a long way to go in the learning process. The Panthers have hinted they aren't pleased with the progress of Jarrett, their second-round draft pick, up until this point. They would like to see him become a little more aggressive getting off the line of scrimmage and running routes.

   Also down are safeties Nate Salley (knee) and Quinton Teal, linebacker Tim Shaw, tackle Frank Omiyale. Quarterback Matt Moore is the third quarterback.

    No real surprises for the Rams. They will be without No. 3 wide receiver Drew Bennett and starting guard Richie Iccognito. Milford Brown gets the start for Icgonito.

   Stay tuned to the website for a running quarter-by-quarter summary.

   --In other news, it appears safety Mike Minter simply couldn't stay away. Minter, who retired in training camp after 10 seasons with the Panthers, accompanied owner Jerry Richardson on the flight to St. Louis.