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.