The Panthers have almost filled their practice squad and have lost one player who was cut Saturday. Defensive end Stanley McClover was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans.

   The team has signed five of the players they cut Saturday to their practice squad, including draft picks Nick Hayden and Geoff Schwartz., running back DeCori Birmingham, wide receiver William Buchanon and defensive back Joe Fields.

   As expected, the Panthers elected not to sign Brett Basanez to the practice squad.

   The Panthers have three more spots to fill on the practice squad.

   By the way, the Panthers don't seem to have any interest in signing Deltha O'Neal, a cornerback/returner who was released by the Bengals. 

   *As previously reported, wide receiver D.J. Hackett is expected to return to practice this week.

   On Sunday after 12:00 p.m. ET, the Panthers may establish a practice squad of eight players. Here are the players cut by Carolina that are eligible for the practice squad: QB Brett Basanez; RB DeCori Birmingham; WRs Chris Hannon and William Buchanon; TE Chad Upshaw; OL Rueben Riley, Geoff Schwartz; DT Nick Hayden; CB Darren Toney; and S Joe Fields.

For the record, players who are eligible to be signed to the practice squad include:

• Free agents who have not yet earned an accrued season of free agency credit.
• Free agents who were on the game-day 45-man active list for less than nine regular season games during any year in which they earned any accrued season.

   However, a player may only be eligible to participate on a practice squad for up to three seasons – with three or more weeks on the practice squad in the regular season or postseason during each of the first two qualifying seasons and one or more games during the third qualifying season. Linebacker Shaun Smith will be added to the Panthers' practice squad as part of the NFL's international player development program, but he will not count against the team's total of eight players.

   6:36 p.m. No word yet on Carolina's picks... but, two former NFC South quarterbacks have already been cut and are now available -- Joey Harrington and Chris Simms. Chances are the Panthers won't have any interest in either after trading for Josh McCown. Then again, you never know.

   6:26 p.m. Here's something to think about down the line. The Panthers will play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. It turns out the Vikings top left tackle Bryant McKinnie will miss the game after being suspended by the league for four games. That is good news for the Panthers, especially defensive end Julius Peppers.

   EARLIER: Nice timing on this one.

   Panthers No. 4 cornerback and returner Ricardo Colclough was arrested this morning for driving while impaired. He was arrested at 2:35 a.m., the morning of Carolina's cutdown day. He spent more than five hours in a Mecklenburg County jail before being released.

   Colcough seemed to be on the right side of the bubble before this arrest, but don't be surprised now if the Panthers send a message to the rest of the team and cut him.

   We'll find out sometime after 6 p.m.

   Ricky Manning Jr. is still out there, but I doubt the Panthers will bring him back given his past history.

   --According to report from the Miami Herald, the Miami Dolphins will get a seventh-round pick from the Panthers in 2009 in exchange for QB Josh McCown.

   --A lot of teams have announced their cuts, but the Panthers are typically among the last. You have to wonder if the team won't put in a waiver claim on returner Eddie Drummond, who was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drummond was the returner ahead of Samie Parker in Kansas City. If the Chiefs thought more of Drummond than Parker, then so might the Panthers. Drummond is a former Pro Bowl returner.

   --A number of former Panthers have already been cut by other teams, including FB Casey Cramer, TE Keith Heinrich, RB Alex Haynes, C Pat Ross and DT Atiyyah Ellison.

   6:30 p.m. In keeping up with my training for the Thunder Road Marathon in December, I went for a run Thursday afternoon along the Alleghany River. Great place to run and the weather here (60 degrees) is perfect.

   There were hundreds of Pittsburgh fans already out tailgaiting. One thing I noticed is that while Ben Roethlisberger's is a pretty popular guy up here, it seems there are almost twice as many fans dressed in No. 43 Troy Polamalu jerseys. I guess that is fitting given that Polamalu's style seems to fit the mystique of the Steel City.

   Another thing I didn't realize is that Pittsburgh was the site of the first ever World Series back in 1903. Boston defeated Pittsburgh in the best-of-nine series 5-3. I'm a baseball fan but for some reason I didn't know that until I read the landmark near the stadium here.

    One thing that is kind of neat here is that fans drive up their boats along the sides of the river, throw a rope and tailgate. Then, when the game is about to begin they throw tarps over their boats and head into the stadium.

   --OK, some notes on the game: As expected, D.J. Hackett and Ryne Robinson did not make the trip to Pittsburgh. According to the pre-game notes distributed to the media, Ricardo Colclough will serve as Carolina's primary punt and kick returner tonight. However, I'm wondering if we will see rookie Jonathan Stewart on kickoff returns (coach John Fox has been threatening to do that) and Samie Parker on punt returns.

   --Panthers GM Marty Hurney said the team must turn in its cuts to the NFL by 6 p.m. Saturday. I wouldn't look for a list of names to be released until closer to 8 p.m.

   6 p.m. Just talked to Phil Youtsey, the team's Director of Ticket Sales, and he said tickets still remain for four home games. There are about 1,500 tickets left for Chicago (Sept. 14) and Atlanta (Sept. 28) and about 2,500 tickets remaining for Arizona (Oct. 26) and Detroit (Nov. 16). The other four games against Kansas City, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Denver are sold out.

   3:40 p.m. The Carolina Panthers history of swings-and-misses on third round draft picks has been well documented.

   Well, the legacy could grow on Saturday if the Panthers release offensive lineman Evan Mathis and linebacker James Anderson, two former third rounders. Neither player seems to fit into Carolina's plans. Anderson has a chance to make the roster, but Mathis probably doesn't.

    Mathis, who started 15 games in 2006, has been working with the third team throughout training camp and it would be a shock if the Panthers keep him around. Anderson has been backing up at outside linebacker, but with the Panthers adding Dan Connor and Landon Johnson this past off-season he could lose his roster spot if the Panthers decide to go with Donte Curry and/or Tim Shaw, two regular contributors on special teams.

   If the Panthers cut Mathis (2005) and Anderson (2006), they would join a list of failed third-round picks that includes offensive tackle Rashard Butler (2006), defensive tackle Atiyyah Ellison (2005), tight end Mike Seidman (2003), defensive linemen Mitch Marrow and Chuck Wiley (1998), linebacker Kinnon Tatem (1997), running back Winslow Oliver and defensive lineman J.C. Price (1996). It would also mean all FOUR third-round picks from 2005 and 2006 combined would be gone.

   To be fair, the Panthers have also hit on some very good third-round picks through the years, including Travelle Wharton (2004), Ricky Manning Jr. (2003), Will Witherspoon (2002), Steve Smith (2001) and Leander Jordan (2000), although Manning, Witherspoon and Jordan have moved on.

   Also, the Panthers seem to have reversed the trend of wasted third round picks in recent years with defensive end Charles Johnson (2007) and safety Charles Godfrey (2008) looking like they have a chance to become solid contributors on defense. Godfrey will start at free safety this year as a rookie, while Johnson will see action as a pass rusher in nickel situations.

   Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Hackett is close to returning from a toe injury, but will still miss his fourth straight preseason game Thursday night. Hackett, who has not practiced since Aug. 6, will not make the trip to Pittsburgh with his teammates.

   Although coach John Fox would not confirm it, sources close to the team said Hackett is still expected to be ready for the regular season opener against San Diego. The big question will be how much he'll be able to contribute given how much time he's missed.

   When asked if he expects Hackett to be ready for San Diego, Fox replied, "Right now he's day-to-day."

   Receiver/returner Ryne Robinson remains "week-to-week" while recovering from a knee injury. He will not make the trip to Pittsburgh either.

   --Samie Parker, who will wear No. 12 (It's unclear if that's because he actually looks like he's 12 years old), is expected to play Thursday night against Pittsburgh. Although he's never returned punts in the NFL, Parker said he's capable of handling that job if called upon.

   "I did it all of the time in practice, but unfortunately I had guys in front of me everywhere I've been," Parker said. "In Kansas City I Dante Hall there for three years and then they brought Drummond in my last year. We had guys that were getting the Pro Bowl in front of me, so I haven't had the opportunity to showcase what I can do... But I feel like I can handle the job."

   --The Panthers are required to make cuts by 4 p.m. Saturday, but if they hold true to form those cuts won't leak out until around 7 or 8 p.m. Although they will never admit they do that for a reason, there are some in the organization who feel like it gives them a competitive advantage by waiting to see what other teams have released.

   With injuries leaving them thin at wide receiver, the Panthers have signed former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Samie Parker. To make room on the roster, the team released receiver Sean Bailey, who was signed last week.

   Coach John Fox said it's unclear if Parker will play Thursday night.

   Parker brings some added depth to an injury-plagued wide receiver position and gives the Panthers another option as a punt returner, according to Fox.

   In four seasons with the Chiefs, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Parker started 31 games and caught 110 passes for 1,529 yards and seven touchdowns. Parker has not returned any punts or kickoffs since joining the league.

   Parker came available after being cut by the Denver Broncos on Monday.

   "He's a guy who has speed and quickness," Fox said. "He's returned the ball before as well as being a receiver. We've been a little nicked up at that spot, so we'll have a little look-see."  

   --Heavy rains forced the Panthers to move practice inside the stadium. The team worked on the concourse level and basically went through a walkthrough.

   Some leftover notes from Monday...

   You might think Brett Basanez would be celebrating the release of quarterback Lester Ricard, which leaves him clearly as Carolina's No. 3 quarterback behind starter Jake Delhomme and backup Matt Moore.

   However, Basanez doesn't feel like he's guaranteed a roster spot.

   He remembers 2006 well. That's the year the Panthers surprised everyone and cut him and Stefan LeFors while keeping just two quarterbacks (Delhomme and Chris Weinke) on the opening day roster.  Basanez was later signed to the practice squad.

   Basanez is hoping the Panthers keep three quarterbacks like they did last year -- and that they don't look outside the organization for that third guy.

   When asked if he thinks at all about whether the Panthers will keep two or three this year, Basanez laughed and replied, "I'm supposed to say no, but sure, it always crosses your mind. The biggest thing is when it comes in, just let it go right through your head. Don't even acknowledge it.

   "It's really about how you play. You want to force them to keep you. You want to play well enough to where they say, 'We want to keep this guy.' Hopefully they have seen enough of me in practice where they have seen that spark."

   Basanez knows Thursday night's game against Pittsburgh will be a big test for him.

   Delhomme and Moore aren't expected to play too much and with Ricard now gone Basanez could work the entire second half against the Steelers. Needless to say, he's excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills.

   "To get to go out and prove yourself against a team that historically has had a great defense is awesome," Basanez said. "It's good for us because Pittsburgh is a 3-4 team and we play a 3-4 team the first week of the season (in San Diego). But I'm chomping at the bit to get out there."

   As for Ricard's release, Basanez called it a complete surprise. 

   "It was unexpected and it was sad," Basanez said. "He was part of our quarterback family. When something happens like that, it brings you back. He had no idea and we had no idea. You never know when it's going to happen. So you try to get as much good stuff on film as you can and hopefully it will work out."

   --Muhsin Muhammad was asked about the progress of second-year wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett on Monday.

   "I wasn't here before, so I don't know what Dwayne's history," Muhammad said. "I just know what I see now.  We've been really pushing him hard to work, just to work hard. That way, you don't have to turn it on, or try to turn it on, in a game. That's what you do all the time, and he's done that. He's really working hard. It's kind of showing up in the games. He's working hard in knowing exactly what to do out there and just finishing. He's making some plays. He's gaining some confidence in his game, and that's one of the most important thing at this level, confidence."

   --With safety Chris Harris returning to the field on Monday, the Panthers now have their entire starting defense healthy. They hope to keep it that way this week and get through the Steelers game without any injuries. Like the offense, the defensive starters are only expected to play a series or two.

   --Charles Johnson said he's excited about his progress this off-season after seeing limited action as a rookie. He's been working at left end on nickel packages with Tyler Brayton shifting inside to defensive tackle.

   "I've grown a lot this year," Johnson said. "I've got into the playbook and stayed around here in the off-season a lot and I just tried to get my experience in. I've tried to get everything, physically and mentally, just right."

   --Looking ahead to the regular season opener against San Diego, here's one storyline to follow. Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman remains up in the air as to whether have surgery to repair torn ligaments in his knee. Merriman said he wants to play, but is worried about suffering a career-ending injury.

   Obviously, Carolina's chances of winning on the road increase if Merriman doesn't play.

   Here's the link to the story: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3552936

   The Carolina Panthers preseason game against Washington has not started well with wide receiver Steve Smith injuring his shoulder on the first play from scrimmage.  However, Smith has returned to the game for the second offensive series after meeting with trainer Ryan Vermillion.

   Smith was running a deep route along the right sidelines and tried to extend for a pass from Jake Delhomme and landed on his right shoulder.

   --Dwayne Jarrett will get a chance to work with the starters tonight with Muhsin Muhammad (ribs) and D.J. Hackett (toe) sitting this one out. Jarrett, who should see extended action with the starters playing into the third quarter, really could use a big game to win the home crowd over. There is a good portion of Carolina fans who have already lost faith in the second-year wide receiver.

   Also out for the Panthers are receiver/returner Ryne Robinson and safety Chris Harris.

   The Panthers held their annual Countdown to Kickoff luncheon on Friday at the Charlotte Convention Center.

   After lunch, the tradition is to call up about six star players on stage to answer questions from the audience. Steve Smith, although arguably the team's best player, wasn't one of those invited up on stage. Along with coach John Fox, those up on stage included quarterback Jake Delhomme, offensive lineman Jordan Gross, receiver Muhsin Muhammad, linebacker Jon Beason, safety Chris Harris and defensive tackle Damione Lewis. It doesn't take much to realize why Smith wasn't selected to be on stage this year.

   Here are some comments from the Q and A period of the luncheon:

    Harris on this year's defense: "The potential on this defense is unreal. As you all know I came from Chicago, where we had a pretty good defense. But I like this defense better than in Chicago. We have guys up front who can get it done. I feel our secondary is as strong as ever with Chris Gamble, Ken Lucas and Little Richard (Marshall). And Charles Godfrey is an athletic safety who can go from sideline to sideline." 

   Delhomme on the Panthers: "I know I keep saying this, but I like this football team. We have the right guys. We got better by addition, but man we got better by subtraction, too. We're doing the right things."

   Delhomme on Gross: "Jordan Gross' name is now 'Franchise.' I love saying that."

   Beason on being a leader on defense: "Being a young guy I just wanted to earn the respect of the veterans in how I played and with my passion and my desire to make plays. That is really where they see me as a leader. I just do do my job as well as I can."

   Beason on Lewis: "I just need him to keep that double team off me so I can run free. Don't worry, I'll give you a shout out in the paper. I'll buy you a nice steak."

   Fox on playing San Diego in the season opener: "A lot of my friends are like, 'Boy, I bet your excited about going to San Diego since you're from there.' But that is a definite no. They are one of the more talented teams in the league on paper. But what is great about the National Football League is that on any given Sunday... I think if we bring our 'A' game we will be just fine."

  ---more to come---

   NFL Players Association executive director Gene Upshaw died Wednesday night at his home in Lake Tahoe, Neb., at the age of 63.

   Upshaw learned he had pancreatic cancer on Sunday.

   He is survived by his wife Terri and three sons, Eugene, Justin and Daniel.

   "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of our leader," said a statement on the NFLPA website.

   Upshaw, NFLPA chief since 1983, is credited with negotiating record-setting salaries for current NFL players and fhas helped in negotiating labor peace with owner during the era of the collective bargaining agreement. Recently, he drew criticism from existing players and former players over how he did his job.

   The Carolina Panthers released Ian Scott on Wednesday after reaching an injury settlement with the backup defensive tackle. Scott was expected to be the team's No. 4 defensive tackle but suffered a knee injury early in training camp and hasn't been able to get back on the field.

   "He did everything right. He was a kid we liked and it was very unfortunate," coach John Fox said. "The way it worked out there's a chance when he gets healthy that we can bring him back later in the season. We felt like we dealt with him fairly and he did a fantastic job for us."

   The Panthers couldn't re-sign Scott until after the ninth game of the season, according to general manager Marty Hurney.

   The Panthers signed wide receiver Sean Bailey from the University of Georgia to take Scott's roster spot.

   Among those out of practice on Wednesday include Chris Harris, Muhsin Muhammad, D.J. Hackett and Ryne Robinson. Harris, by the way, said he will definitely be ready for the season opener against San Diego.

   Tight end Gary Barnidge returned to practice after missing a few weeks with a glute injury.

This nugget from our friends over at WCNC-TV.

Panthers right tackle Jeff Otah had his carjacked in uptown Charlotte by one of Charlotte's most wanted criminals. Otah wasn't present at the time of the hijacking. His brother had borrowed the car. According to investigators, Marcellus Morris stole his Cadillac Escalade.

Here's the link:

http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-081808-krg-mostwanted.f35ea5d.html

   I spoke with coach John Fox after Sunday's morning practice about the possibility of Jonathan Stewart returning kickoffs this week against Washington. While Fox wouldn't commit to anything, he did say "it's an option." Stewart, a first-round draft pick, handled some kickoffs in practice on Sunday. He has yet to return any kickoffs so far this preseason, but has in the past at Oregon.

   Live from Philadelphia:

   --For the second straight year, the Panthers-Eagles preseason game has been delayed by lightning.  It could be awhile before the teams get back on the field. The press box announcer has said they expect a 45-minute delay. According to the National Weather Service two storms are merger on the Philadelphia area.

   --Fans will get their first look at rookie running back Jonathan Stewart tonight. Stewart, who was held out of the preseason opener against Indianapolis, is in uniform. DeAngelo Williams will start, but Stewart should be the first running back off the bench.

   --The starters will play into the second quarter against the Eagles.

   --In case you missed it yesterday, the following 10 players did not make the trip to Philadelphia due to injury: receivers Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett, Ryne Robinson and Dwayne Jarrett, tight ends Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge, defensive tackle Ian Scott, safety Chris Harris and cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas.

   --The Panthers will be without four starters -- Smith, Gamble, Lucas and Harris.

Some observations from Wednesday's practice:

1. Several players ditched their uniforms after the morning practice and headed straight to their cars -- without even showering -- in order to get back to Charlotte as soon as possible. Among those leading the parade out of town was defensive lineman Maake Kemoeatu.

2. Ten players will not make the trip to Philadelphia. They are receivers Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett, Ryne Robinson and Dwayne Jarrett, tight ends Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge, defensive tackle Ian Scott, safety Chris Harris and cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas.

3. The Panthers went through a light walkthrough on Wednesday morning, then ran off the field. The players were headed back to Charlotte. They had to be at the stadium at 3:45 p.m. for the bus ride to the airport.

4. The Panthers are under contract only one more year to Wofford College to host training camp, but sources close to the situation said the team isn't going anywhere, which means you can expect Spartanburg to be part of Carolina's long-term summer future.

5. Overall, coach John Fox was pleased with training camp. "It was a good camp. It was short, but it was sweet. Like always there are always tougher times than others, but we worked through it. I like the script so far."

6. The starters will play into the second quarter Thursday night against the Eagles. Jake Delhomme will get most of the reps with the first team, Fox said.

Observations from Tuesday's practice:

   1. Although the Panthers still have a walkthrough practice left on Wednesday morning, the players got a head start on celebrating the end of training camp, taping up five rookies to the goal post and dumping buckets of ice water and Gatorade over them. Among the victims were defensive lineman Nick Hayden, Casper Brinkley, linebacker Shaun Smith and defensive backs Charles Godfrey and Joe Fields.

   2. John Fox reiterated that Dwayne Jarrett's injury (leg bruise) is not serious. He said Jarrett should be back on the field well before the regular season opener.

   3. A brief pushing match broke out at practice between Hayden and tackle Rueben Riley during blocking drills, but both were quickly separated.

  4. In an unusual show of emotion, Julius Peppers jumped on the back of defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu after Kemoeatu made a great play to stop a run. Peppers, who hasn't taken a day off from practice, seems fired up this season and that's good news for Carolina fans.

   5. The Panthers worked some on the hurry-up offense. The first-team scored when Jake Delhomme completed a pass to Travis Taylor in the end zone.

   6. James Anderson, who has had a quiet training camp, intercepted a Lester Ricard pass on Tuesday. Anderson's future is a little up in the air given the glut of linebackers in camp.

   7. Among those who did not practice on Tuesday were receivers Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett, D.J. Hackett and Ryne Robinson, tight ends Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge, cornerbacks Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, safety Chris Harris and defensive tackle Ian Scott. 

   Some observations from Monday night's practice:

   1. Dwayne Jarrett was carted off the field, but the injury doesn't appear serious (see Camp Wrap).

   2. Veteran Terrence Holt really enjoys playing. On Monday night he intercepted a Matt Moore pass and took it to the end zone. He celebrated for fans by crossing his arms over his chest.

   3. Tight end Chris Conklin made a nice juggling catch in the end zone. The ball hit off two players before coming to rest in Conklin's hands.

   4. I'm not sure if Muhsin Muhammad has found the fountain of youth, but he really looks great at practice. Honestly. He looks fast, strong and is playing like a man that is 25, not 35.

   5. After Jarrett's injury the Panthers were suddenly without four of their top five receivers -- Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett, Ryne Robinson and Jarrett. That meant Muhammad worked with the first team alongside Jason Carter.

   Some observations from Monday morning's practice:

   1. Receiver Steve Smith suffered a concussion in Saturday night's win over the Colts and was held out of practice on Monday morning. Smith suffered the injury on a 19-yard reception from Matt Moore. Coach John Fox said Smith is day-to-day.

   2. Jon Beason and Damione Lewis were back at practice, meaning the Panthers are only without three defensive starters now.

   3. The Panthers still have a number of players out including cornerbacks Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble, defensive tackle Ian Scott, receivers D.J. Hackett and Ryne Robinson, tight ends Dante Rosarion and Gary Barnidge and safety Chris Harris. Of those, Robinson and Scott are expected to be out the longest.

   4. Today is Carolina's last two-a-day practice. Coach Fox said practices will be fairly light this week. The Panthers worked in shorts on Monday morning.

  5. The play of the day came courtesy of tight end Chad Upshaw, who caught a long pass down the middle from Matt Moore for a score. Upshaw, who wears No. 85, beat Landon Johnson on the play. One of his teammates shouted, "Way to go, Ocho Cinco!"

Here are some "bubble players" that helped their chances of making the 53-man roster on Saturday night:

1. Adam Seward. Seward is probably going to make the roster, but given his history of injuries and the presence of rookie Dan Connor it's not an absolute lock. But he showed why the Panthers view him as the No. 2 guy at middle linebacker on Saturday night. He came up with an interception that led to a touchdown on the Colts second drive and halted their third drive with a third-down sack. He also had two tackles for losses, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup. All in all, a terrific game for Seward.

2. Decori Birmingham. I mentioned before this kid was having a pretty good camp and if you stayed up late enough to watch the fourth quarter and overtime you were probably impressed. Granted it came against the Colts third-team defense, but Birmingham had 70 yards on 17 carries. He had seven carries for 33 yards in overtime, including 30 yards on the game-winning drive. Still, he's the No. 5 running back in camp, so his chances to make the roster are very slim. Maybe the Panthers can slide him on the practice squad without anyone noticing.

3. Rhys Lloyd. His first four kickoffs sailed at least five yards into the end zone, three of them resulting in touchbacks. There is no disputing Lloyd is a weapon and I think the Panthers will be forced to keep him. The Colts first turnover was set up when Lloyd pinned them at the 20. That was a rarity last year as opposing offenses normally started with great field position due to short , returnable kickoffs that landed at the 5 or 10.

4. Quinton Teal. The kid from Coastal Carolina made the roster last year and is making a case to be on it again this year despite the addition of several new faces at the safety position. Teal had four tackles, an interception and broke up a pass.

5. Jason Carter. He was a little shaky on punt returns, but Carter did well as a receiver with three catches for 32 yards. I think he makes the roster for the first two games with Steve Smith out, but when Smith returns from his suspension we'll see what happens. He already has the home crowd behind him.

Here are some "bubble players" that didn't help their cause Saturday night:

1. Brett Basanez. Although he completed 7 of 9 passes for 54 yards, I thought Basanez looked a little rusty. He didn't play last year because of a wrist injury. He threw one interception on a deep ball he probably shouldn't have thrown. He didn't lead any scoring drives. He'd better be careful as the preseason progresses because the Panthers might wind up keeping only two quarterbacks.

2. Curtis Deloatch. Veteran cornerback struggled in pass coverage and is on the outside looking in.

3. Troy Fleming. The only true fullback on the roster other than Brad Hoover, Fleming fumbled in Colts territory.

4. Lester Ricard. He has great arm strength, but accuracy remains a problem, especially on deep balls. Displayed some happy feet in the pocket.

5. Geoff Schwartz. Rookie tackle needs to improve on pass blocking.

   Marvin Harrison will play for the Colts Saturday night, according to coach Tony Dungy.

   If  you want to know who's playing -- and who's not -- for the Colts, then check out this link: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d809da38e&template=with-video&confirm=true. Why Dungy is saying who is playing, Panthers coach John Fox is not. 

   --Offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson spoke with reporters on Thursday and the one thing that really struck me was his comments about Dwayne Jarrett.

   They weren't all that positive.

   Earlier in training camp several reporters, including myself, wrote about Jarrett's teammates (and Jarrett himself) talking about him taking a big step forward from last year, getting in the books, working harder, gaining confidence, yadda, yadda, yadda.

   Well, maybe that was a bit premature.

   When asked about the difference between Jarrett last year and this year, Davidson said, "You know, Dwayne, I think, each day we try to make steps with him. Some days we feel better than others. Right now it’s kind of where it is. We need to get to where there’s a — and he and I have had this conversation, so I’m not uncomfortable talking about it — but he’s got to get a level of consistency that we’re all comfortable with, including himself."

   Davidson did say Jarrett is catching on to things quicker this year, but then added this: "I don’t think there’s been a matter of not understanding things. I just think it’s got to happen faster for him. Time will tell on that one. Quite honestly, a lot of that is left in his court. He has to control that situation.”

   It's got to happen faster for him? That sounds like it's time for Jarrett to wake up and smell the coffee.

   At that point in the interview, I asked Davidson pointblank if Jarrett lacks desire.

   “I wouldn’t say it’s a lack of desire," Davidson said. "I can't say that is the case. Like I say, time will tell on this one, and he’s really got to step up for us.”

   Interesting stuff if you read between the lines.

   For more on the Q and A with Davidson, click here: http://www.carolinagrowl.com/Read.aspx?Story=663

Some notes before the team heads out to Thursday afternoon's practice:

Observations from Wednesday afternoon's practice:

   1. For those of you worried about the injury to Steve Smith earlier in the day, it was a no big deal. In fact, Smith was back on the field for the afternoon session.

   2. However, the Panthers continued on with their trend of one-injured-player-per-practice as cornerback Chris Gamble tweaked his hamstring during practice. (Didn't I just write about him needing to stay healthy?) Anyway, Muhsin Muhammad beat Gamble on a deep route and Gamble pulled up a little lame. It's not believed to be serious.

   3. Earlier in the day Chris Conklin suffered a minor injury, so the Panthers are back to two healthy tight ends (and three on the sidelines).

   4. The afternoon practice was a glorified walkthrough with players in shorts and running at half-speed for the most part.

   5. Some asked me why Adam Seward is working with the starters at MLB with Jon Beason out. Well, that is because he's the backup MLB. Dan Connor entered camp as the third-team MLB. Connor only got reps when both Beason and Seward were on the sidelines. Seward is now back, so Connor is now with the second team. Hope that clears up the confusion.

   6. OK, here's the list of players who did not practice this afternoon (hope I don't get writer's cramp): Jeff Otah (rest), D.J. Hackett (ankle), Jon Beason (ankle), Ryne Robinson (knee), Ian Scott (knee), Ken Lucas (nose), Chris Harris (groin), Dante Rosario (hamstring), Gary Barnidge (glute) and Conklin. Yeah, I think that's it. Of those injuries, only Robinson and Scott are listed as week-to-week injuries.

   7. For those curious about next week's practice schedule, it has been determined. On Monday the team will work at 9:10 a.m. and 6:40 p.m. On Tuesday it's 3:10 p.m. And on Wednesday, the final day of practice, there will be only one practice at 9:10 a.m.

   Some highlights from Wednesday (I think) morning's practice:

   1. Wide receivers Steve Smith and D.J. Hackett both left practice early due to injuries, although neither is believed to be serious, according to coach John Fox. Hackett injured his ankle; Smith his toe. Hackett was taken to the locker room on a cart, but he didn't appear to be in any serious pain.

   2. Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and linebacker Na'il Diggs were given a veteran's day off Wednesday morning.

   3. The Panthers were without four starters on defense -- Ken Lucas, Jon Beason, Chris Harris and Diggs. Richard Marshall filled in for Lucas, Adam Seward for Beason, Terrance Holt for Harris and Landon Johnson for Diggs. The entire starting defensive line is back on the field now. Among the others out were tight ends Gary Barnidge and Dante Rosario, offensive tackle Charles Spencer, defensive tackle Ian Scott and receiver Ryne Robinson. Of the injuries, only Robinson and Scott are considered "week to week." The others are day to day. UPDATE: Scott just walked through the student center here at Wofford wearing a knee brace. Looks like he's a long way from coming back.

   4. Lucas was not at the morning practice, but Fox did not know if he'd gone to have his broken nose reset.

   5. The Panthers have worked a bunch this training camp on red zone offense and defense.

   6. There's just no denying the difference in leg strength between John Kasay and Rhys Lloyd. Lloyd's kickoffs seem to sail easily off his foot and carry higher in the air and deeper. Kasay's simply are not as high and are much shorter. Again, you have to keep Lloyd on the roster.

   7. Matt Moore came through with the play of the day, hitting tight end Jeff King on a perfectly thrown ball in the right corner of the end zone. Moore has really shown great poise in the pocket here at camp and is playing like a kid who has been in the league for 10 years, not two years.

   8. Defensive end Charles Johnson, who has been invisible most of camp, batted down a pass from Moore.

   9. OK, thanks to all of you who pointed out that I put "Wednesday update" on Tuesday's blog. I guess that was wishful thinking on my part. When you get down here to training camp all of the days run together. In fact, I can't tell you how many times the writers ask each other during the course of a day, "What day is it?"

   10. Today is family day, which means several of the players and coaches have their wives and kids in town.

more to come--

Some observations from Tuesday afternoon's practice:

1. The Panthers were without two of their defensive leaders at practice Tuesday. Middle linebacker Jon Beason sat out with a sprained left ankle, while strong safety Chris Harris was held out with a strained groin. Both suffered injuries on Monday.

 Coach John Fox said neither injury is considered serious. They’re both listed as day-to-day.

   “I tweaked it a little bit but it’s nothing serious,” Harris said. “It’s right in the groin area. But it’s nothing to worry about. It scared me when it first happened because I didn’t know exactly what was going on. But it’s nothing to worry about. I will be back out there sooner rather than later.”

2. The Panthers made a minor roster move on Tuesday, signing tight end Chad Upshaw and releasing defensive tackle Michael Marquardt. The move was necessitated by a shortage of tight ends. Already without Dante Rosario, the Panthers lost No. 3 tight end Gary Barnidge to a lower back injury. He's day-to-day as well.

3. Marquardt was signed last week when the Panthers were hit with a rash of injuries at defensive tackle. But with Damione Lewis returning to practice, his services were no longer needed. Maake Kemoeatu and Darwin Walker returned to action Monday, meaning the Panthers now have three of their top for defensive tackles back on the field. Only Ian Scott remains out.

4. Stephen Davis made an appearance at practice, then decided it was too darn hot. Davis watched about 10 minutes of practice in the 100-degree heat and left.

5. Coach John Fox wore a microphone at practice Tuesday for a segment for NFL Films.

6. Ryne Robinson and Ken Lucas did not practice.

7. Jonathan Stewart is continuing to work on an every-other-practice basis. With Stewart resting, Ricardo Colclough and Jason Carter returned kickoffs.

8. Julius Peppers made an unbelievable player at practice today, sniffing out a double reverse about 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage. If it were a real game we'd be writing, "Muhsin Muhammad was 35...."

9. Muhammad made a great catch during practice in the back of the end zone on a game situation drill where the offense had only five seconds left and had to score a touchdown. Jake Delhomme hit Muhammad for a 25-yard touchdown, setting off a celebration on the offensive side of the ball.

10. Adam Seward is back at practice working with the first team. Dan Connor worked second team at MLB.

11. Colclough is working as the No. 3 corner with Ken Lucas out. Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall are the starters. That says to me Colclough is the No. 4 corner going into the preseason. He will be challenged by Dante Wesley and Curtis Deloatch.

   8:34 p.m. Training camp is only a week old, but the Carolina Panthers are probably getting anxious to get the heck out of Spartanburg, S.C.

   Aside from the Steve Smith fiasco, the Panthers seem to be losing players at a rate of about one per practice. On Monday night, safety Chris Harris was carted off the field with what a team spokesman called a "leg strain." It's not believed to be serious, according to the team.

   Harris' injury follows the morning session in which the team's other defensive leader, Jon Beason, was carted off with a sprained ankle. Beason did not practice Monday night.

   Both Beason and Harris are considered day-to-day.

   With Beason and backup Adam Seward out, rookie Dan Connor ran with the ones and looked pretty good. Of course, the Panthers were practicing in shorts. When Harris went down, veteran Terrance Holt took over. 

   Noon: Steve Smith just spoke with the media on Monday and apologized to just about everyone for his actions. He spoke for three minutes and did not take any questions.

   Here is what Smith had to say:  "I'd really like to apologize to the organization, the coaches, teammates, to my family. I have a big responsibility to a lot of people and I know I disappointed a lot of people. But I will not allow this moment in the book of life to define me. Despite what people may write or say, I made a bad decision. I accept the responsibilities of my actions. I will take this opportunity moving forward to try to do the best I can to move forward past it and really just let this not define me and let me get down on myself to where I'm not able to help my teammates out and help this organization ultimately win a championship.

   "This issue that happened is going to be an opportunity for the Carolina Panthers and myself as an individual to show our true colors and be able to show the impact we can have and not allow this moment to define me or leave the legacy of who I am to my children, my teammates and who I am as a man. I will not put myself into a position where I have to defend myself, to state my side of the story. There's no side. There's only one side, a lack of judgment on my part. That's really all I have to say. I have no excuse. All I have is the opportunity to gain the respect of my fans, to gain the respect of my family, gain the respect of my co-workers and gain the respect of the organization. And also the peers that I play against as well. That's what I'm going to do. That's what I shall do and that's what I always do.

   "This is the moment I decided to put myself in by my actions. I'm going to take it like a man and take this opportunity to let God break me, humble me and continuously let me move forward and be the person I can truly be. I'm a God-fearing man, no matter what people may think or say. It's an opportunity for me to stand tall and take my punishment. I'm going to take it with God at my side and not me standing up trying to stand up being something that I'm not. I'm a fallen man. I'm a man that made a mistake. I plan to mend the bridges that I've burned and help rebuild the bridge if I need to all by myself. And not  do it in a spiteful way, but do it with the labor and the sound mind that God gives me. I'm not going to get into who's right, who's wrong. I'm completely wrong. It was an asinine decision. And I'll move forward better than I probably have ever
had to. It's the first time in my life that I really haven't forgiven myself."

   Also, Lucas spoke to the media and said he's forgiven Smith.

   Lucas said that he will be out 2-3 weeks and will need surgery on his nose. 

   "I feel like what happened is a blessing in disguise," Lucas said. "I think it's something that may bring this team closer together. You all may think I'm crazy for saying that. But I think it's bigger than Steve and I. Steve and I talked man-to-man, one-on-one and we still have more talking to do... We still have some more things to talk about as far as what can we do to be able to go out there and co-exist on the same field, same team and be productive and help this team win this year. Only two men can do that, and feel like we have what it takes in order to do so."

   Lucas said, "There are a lot of things that have been brewing between Steve and I. I can't possibly tell you what the issues are in one conversation what has been happening (over the last) four years."

   11:50 AM Safety Chris Harris just talked to reporters about Steve Smith's apology to the team on Sunday night:

   "He apologized and the team accepted and we're moving on," Harris said. "All teams deal with adversity and we can't let that hinder our season."

   Harris said Smith's apology during a team meeting as "very emotional."

   "We accepted it and we're moving on," Harris said. "We're not looking in the past. We have our eyes looking forward. It's like a DB (defensive back). if a bad play happens you can't keep focusing on it or it will hurt you down the road. That was a speed bump in training camp. But the car is in drive. We're not going backwards."

   Observations from Monday morning's practice.

   1. First off, Smith was back at practice. CB Ken Lucas sat out with a broken nose.  Lucas rode some on a bike, but mostly watched practice from the sidelines. I never noticed him close to Smith at any point during the practice. Coach John Fox would not discuss Smith's apology to teammates, calling it an internal matter.

   2. Smith still was working with the first team offense in practice. Others will get a chance to work there as training camp progresses, Fox said. But he stressed that the team still needs to get Smith ready, too.

  3. MLB Jon Beason tweaked his ankle during practice. He was taken under the tent and his ankle was wrapped in ice. It's probably nothing serious, but Beason may miss a few days.

   4. The Panthers got a few players off their injury list Monday and added one more. Defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu and Darwin Walker were back on the field, but tight end Dante Rosario did not practice due to a hamstring injury. Linebacker Adam Seward practiced on a partial basis. He's trying to make it back from a strained abdomen. With Beason and Seward out, rookie Dan Connor actually got a few looks with the first team. Among the others out include DTs Damione Lewis and Ian Scott, S Nate Salley and WR/KR Ryne Robinson.

    5. Offensive linemen aren't the only ones subject to the Lap of Shame. DEs Stanley McClover and Charles Johnson were both sent to run a lap on Monday morning as punishment for jumping off-sides.

   6. WR Jason Carter worked as the first team punt returner with Robinson out.

   7.  WR Muhsin Muhammad hauled in a deep pass from QB Jake Delhomme on Monday down the right sidelines. He beat Chris Gamble. Dominique Thompson also made a great job on a deep route and Carter snared a nice pass while going over the middle.

   8. Na'il Diggs is still holding on to the starting job at SLB.

   9. On special teams, Jason Baker worked on punts while backed up in his own end zone.

   10. The Panthers worked full pads in the morning, which means they will go with shorts tonight.

   Wide receiver Steve Smith told Pro Football Weekly that he feels horrible about the fight last Friday that resulted in a two-game suspension for him and a broken nose for teammates Ken Lucas.

   “I feel horrible,” Smith told Pro Football Weekly. “That’s the thing I don’t think people realize, is how remorseful I am and how, in five or six seconds, five or six years has come crashing down. That’s the consequences of my actions. But I won’t let it be the last thing people remember me by as far as a player and as a person.”

   Here's the link to the story: http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/WWHI/2008/smith080308.htm

   You have to commend coach John Fox for his honest and stern comments on Saturday at Fan Fest when discussing the two-game suspension of wide receiver Steve Smith. He answered every question as best as he could while still keeping the details within the team, which is certainly understandable.

   While I felt like a four-game suspension might be warranted, it's pretty clear the Panthers put a lot of thought into the decision and felt it was fair.

   Here is what Fox had to say on Saturday:

On wide receiver Steve Smith's punishment for his role in an altercation with cornerback Ken Lucas at practice on Friday: He'll be suspended for the first two (regular season) games. What he did was wrong, we take it very serious, and he's being punished severely for it.

On how he balances Smith's punishment with the effect it will have on the team: I don't think you balance. You try to do what's fair. It's something that's inexcusable and that's the punishment. It's a pretty steep, severe punishment.

On if Smith will continue to practice at training camp: Yes. He won't be sent away from the team until the Sunday prior to the first (regular season) game.

On the status of cornerback Ken Lucas: Ken did have a broken nose. He's doing fine. He's in great mental spirits, which is critical. Physically, it could have been worse, not that a broken nose is not bad enough. We'll treat it as we go.

On if he knows when Lucas will be back: Not at this time. He obviously did not practice today.

On if Smith and Lucas can patch things up in a way that will help the team move forward: Time will tell. I believe so.

On if the Panthers will have a zero-tolerance policy for Smith going forward: Again, it's an internal matter. I'm not trying to be secretive, but these are kinds of matters that we'll keep in house. We're doing it the right way and we're going to help him. He's still ours, but yet he's going to have conditions and he knows what those are and we're going to move forward.

On if he has had enough of Smith's behavior and incidents like this: I don't want to put any comments out there that way other than we take it very seriously. It's been dealt with and will continue to be and won't be tolerated.

On how Smith responded to his punishment: As good as you can expect. He's very remorseful. He's knows he made a mistake, yet he has to pay for it.

On if he got an explanation from Smith on what triggered the incident: Like I said, I don't want to air this out in the media. There were conversations. It was an act that was inexcusable and it can't happen.

On how frustrating it is to lose one of the team's best players for the first two games of the season: It's a tough League and it's a tough situation. You lose guys to injuries; you lose guys to suspensions. It happens around the League. It happened last year and it's going to happen this year. The other guys have got to step up. It's opportunity for them, and we've got to move forward.

On if Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson was involved in the disciplinary process: No. (general manager) Marty (Hurney) and I handled that. Obviously, he's the owner of the football team and he's been communicated to without a doubt.

On if Smith will be able to play during the preseason: More than likely yes. His suspension just includes regular season games. Those are the ones they get paid in, and that's the way we'll operate and that's the way the landscape is.

FAN FEST LIVE BLOG:

   The Panthers have just taken the field here at Bank of America Stadium for practice. Some early observations:

   1. As you might expect, Steve Smith and Ken Lucas do not appear to be here at practice. I'm told by sources close to the situation that they aren't at the stadium and will not be available for comment.

   2. The Panthers are REALLY light on numbers today. First-round draft pick Jonathan Stewart is not in full uniform and will not participate in team drills. Among the others who will not participate include defensive tackles Damione Lewis, Maake Kemoeatu, Darwin Walker and Ian Scott, cornerback Ricardo Colclough,  linebacker Adam Seward, wide receiver Ryne Robinson, and safety Nate Salley.   All told, the Panthers are down to 68 active players today.

   OK, here we go with the LIVE SCRIMMAGE. All drives start at the 35:

   The Panthers second team defense vs. the first team offense

   1. On the first series Gary Gibson and Julius Peppers register sacks on Matt Moore forcing a punt.

   2. On the second series the defense holds the offense to five yards and forces a punt.

   3. On the third series, Richard Marshall is flagged for pass interference on Jason Carter resulting in a 42-yard gain. On the next play, Marshall delivers a tough hit on tight end Chris Conklin. The defense holds and forces a field goal by John Kasay. 

   Now it's the first-team offense vs. the second team defense:

   1. The drive starts with a 12-yard pass from Jake Delhomme to DeAngelo Williams. Williams then busts up the middle for a 7-yard gain. However, two incomplete passes result in a punt. Safety Quinton Teal makes a nice play to break up a third-down pass.

  2. On the second series, Williams nearly breaks one but is tripped up and gains 4. On the next play, Delhomme hits Muhsin Muhammad for a 25-yard gain. After a short Williams run, Delhomme hits Hackett for a short gain. (By the way DJ Hackett is starting for Smith). On third-and-3, Delhomme goes back to Muhammad for a 4-yard gain. On a first-and-10 at 24, Williams gains 4. Then he gains 7 more for another first down. An incomplete pass and a 3-yard gain by LaBrandon Toefield make it third-and-7. But Delhomme hits Jason Carter for an 11-yard pass and a TOUCHDOWN.

   Now it's the third-team offense vs. the third-team defense

    1. Toefield gains 4. Brett Basanez hits Conklin for a first down. Another first down pass to Dominique Thompson. Toefield springs one for 6. Decori Birmingham runs for a first down.  At the 19, Basanez is sacked (there is no actual sacking of the quarterback, but if you touch him, he's down). OK, Lester Ricard in at quarterback. A short pass to Birmingham and the drive stalls.  

   Had to head down to the field to talk to coach Fox....

   In just a few hours we should know the fate of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith, who was involved in an altercation with cornerback Ken Lucas on Friday at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. The team is considering punishment (more than likely a suspension and fine) for their involvement in a sideline fight during a break from offense vs. defense drills at Wofford College.

   The incident has clearly taken some of the luster off the team's Fan Fest, which begins at 11 a.m. at Bank of America Stadium.

   This is a tough decision for GM Marty Hurney and coach John Fox and one that could impact the season.

   We will have full coverage of the action at Fan Fest, so check back regularly with his us today.