With both starting tackles ailing from injuries and unlikely to practice much, if at all, this week, the Panthers were forced to make a practice squad move Tuesday, signing offensive tackle Jonathan Palmer to their practice squad. They released fullback Billy Latsko.

   Plamer, an undrafted free agent in 2007 out of Auburn who spent time with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Oakland last season, gives the team another body for practice. Gross (concussion) could miss Sunday's game with Kansas City while Otah (sprained ankle) is up in the air.

Hey folks, here's some quotes from Sunday's game that didn't make it into any stories. Hope you enjoy...

Panthers FB Brad Hoover on the team’s running game: “Today it wasn’t pretty at times, but when we did need it we were able to make it work. That’s the thing. There are some days where they are going to get the best of you but as long as you can make it efficient.  It may not be the best that we wanted or something we wanted to be able to do better to get more yards, but when it counted we were able to get the yards.”

 

Falcons DE John Abraham on the Panthers game plan: “They were a better team today. They played better and were able to execute and get in the end zone. We kind of gave them too much. Delhomme played a great game and showed up. They threw a lot of quick stuff and then they started sitting back and throwing it deep. They had a good game plan. They had me not rushing as much and doing some things I usually don’t do. So they did a good job.

 

   POSTGAME:   A quick update on Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross.

   Neither injury is considered very serious. Otah said x-rays on his ankle were negative and he hopes to back next week. Gross has a concussion and I doubt he will play next week, but it shouldn't be too long before he gets on the field.

   THIRD QUARTER: Check that on Jeff Otah. It's an ankle, not a knee.

   Jeff Otah was carted off late in the third quarter. He injured his ankle when a teammate fell on him on a running play. We'll keep you updated on his status. No word yet on if he'll return.

   HALFTIME: The Carolina Panthers want to fancy themselves as a running team, but right now they're having more success through the air. Carolina has run 14 times for 38 yards, while Jake Delhomme has thrown 15 times for 181 yards. The Panthers have a touchdown through the air and on the ground.

   Atlanta, which came in averaging 203 yards per game on the ground, had 93 yards rushing on 15 carries.

   FIRST QUARTER: As expected, Jordan Gross' day is over.

    Gross, who has never missed a start since joining the Panthers in 2003, was injured on Carolina’s opening series of the game and team officials said he will not return.

   The Panthers ran a sweep to the left and Gross apparently got hit in the head and might have been knocked unconscious. He went straight down on his face with his arms at his side. He remained face down until trainers rolled him over. The game was delayed several minutes before Gross was taken off on a cart.

   Travelle Wharton has shifted over to play left tackle, while Geoff Hangartner is back in at left guard.

   Gross pumped his fist as he was taken off the field.

   PRE-GAME: Rookie defensive end Hilee Taylor will be active for the first time this season for the Panthers, while receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson are both inactive again.

   Carolina's other inactives are quarterback Matt Moore, safety C.J. Wilson. guard Mackenzy Bernadeau, tackle Frank Omiyale, and defensive tackle Gary Gibson. Taylor is basically taking Gibon's spot. With Gibson down the Panthers will have only three active defensive tackles, which is interesting considering the Falcons are going to want to run the football. Look for Tyler Brayton to play some inside.

   For Atlanta, starting left tackle Sam Baker is inactive, which means Julius Peppers will be facing a backup tackle for the fourth straight game. Todd Weiner will start for Baker. Weiner is only a backup in name, however, as he's faced Peppers 12 times during his career.

   Atlanta's other inactives are quarterback D.J. Shockey, receiver Laurent Robinson, cornerback David Irons, linebacker Tony Gilbert, center Alex Stepanovich, defensive end Simon Fraser, tight end Jason Radar and Baker.

 

   The Panthers have listed returner/receiver Ryne Robinson as questionable for Sunday's game against Atlanta. The team will be extremely cautious with him, especially since Mark Jones is doing an adequate job on punt returns, averaging 10 yards per return.

   Quarterback Matt Moore (knee) is out, as expected.

   Everyone else is either probable or set to go. Carolina's list of "probables," which means there is a 75 percent or better they will play, includes defensive ends Julius Peppers, Charles Johnson and Tyle Brayton, linebackers Na'il Diggs and Thomas Davis, safety Chris Harris, running back Jonathan Stewart and guard Travelle Wharton.

   We'll check back later with Atlanta's injury report.

   The Carolina Panthers are almost completely healthy heading into Sunday's game against Atlanta.

   Quarterback Matt Moore (knee) was the only player who did not practice.

   Defensive end Julius Peppers (illness) and running back Jonathan Stewart (foot) were limited in practice, but both are expected to play Sunday. Stewart said he got his foot stepped on in practice.

   Everyone else participated on a full basis including defensive ends Tyler Brayton and Charles Johnson, linebackers Thomas Davis and Na'il Diggs, safety Chris Harris, guard Travelle Wharton and wide receiver Ryne Robinson. Robinson declared himself "ready to go" this week, but said he's not heard whether or not he'll be activate this week.

   Carolina Panthers left guard Travelle Wharton practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday, his first action since injuring his knee in the season opener at San Diego. The Panthers are hopeful he'll be able to return to the field Sunday against Atlanta, but coach John Fox refused to elaborate on his status.

   Among those who did not practice for the Panthers were safety Chris Harris (knee), defensive end Tyle Brayton (ankle), linebacker Na'il Diggs (shoulder), defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring) and quarterback Matt Moore.

   Among those who practiced on a limited basis were offensive tackle Jordan Gross (ankle), linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle), receiver Ryne Robinson (knee) and Wharton

   --The Panthers officially placed linebacker Dan Connor on injured reserve and replaced him on the roster with Donte Curry.

   --The team also made one practice squad move, adding defensive end Casper Brinkley while cutting receiver Titus Ryan.

 

     

   The Panthers ar expected to sign linebacker Donte Curry on Wednesday to replace Dan Connor, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee. As of last night, Curry had not signed a contract, according to team officials.

   However, that could get done Wednesday morning if everything works out.

   We suggested after the game this might be the move the Panthers make.

   The move seems appeared to be a no-brainer given that Curry spent all of the summer with the Panthers and is a special teams player, which is essentially the role Connor had with the team. Curry had 11 tackles in seven games for the Panthers last season.

   Curry made the Panthers 53-man roster, but was inactive for the first two games of the season. The Panthers released him last week when they needed to make room for Steve Smith.

 

   Dan Connor's rookie season is over.

   The Panthers third-round draft pick out of Penn State tore the ACL in his knee during Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings and will miss the remainder of the season, according to team spokesman Charlie Dayton. Connor will go on injured reserve.

   As of around 5 p.m., the Panthers hadn't made a corresponding move. It would make sense for the Panthers to bring back veteran linebacker Donte Curry, but if that was the move they intended to make then you have to wonder if it wouldn't already be done.

   Connor played exclusively on special teams for the Panthers, but his loss weakens the overall depth of Carolina's linebacking corps.

  

   John Fox just finished his Monday press conference, but said he doesn't yet have an update on rookie linebacker Dan Connor, who left Sunday's game with a knee injury. Connor was undergoing medical tests on Monday in Charlotte to determine the extent of the injury. We expect to hear more later in the day.

   Fox said the only other injury was to defensive end Charles Johnson (hamstring). He's day-to-day.

   --The Panthers got some good news as Fox said he expects guard Travelle Wharton to return to practice on Wednesday, although that doesn't necessarily mean Wharton will play Sunday against Atlanta. Wharton has missed the last two games with a sprained knee.

   Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Dan Connor will have an MRI on Monday on an injured knee. Connor, the team's third-round draft pick, was playing primarily on special teams. If Connor is seriously hurt, the Panthers may consider re-signing Donte Curry, who was cut last week.

   3RD QUARTER: The Vikings open the third quarter with a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. The Vikings outgain the Panthers 130-25 in the third quarter. Carolina ran just eight offensive plays in the third quarter and seem completely out of rhthym.

   SCORE: Minnesota 17, Carolina 10 

   2ND QUARTER: Funny how things can change on one play. The Panthers pretty much controlled play in the first half until Antoine Winfield came free on a corner bliz, sacked Jake Delhomme, picked up the loose ball and ran 19 yards for a touchdown. That ties the game at 10-10. It's hard to tell who was supposed to pick up the blitz. Nick Goings was in the backfield but he released into a pattern.

   Delhomme looked like he injured his shoulder or arm on the play, but did return.

   The tide of this game may have turned.

   SCORE: Carolina 10, Minnesota 10

   1ST QUARTER: Carolina's defense looks outstanding so far. They're getting good pressure from Julius Peppers and Chris Gamble already has an interception, his third turnover of the season.

   On offense, the Panthers didn't waste any time getting Steve Smith into the game, throwing to him on the first play. It resulted in a 31-yard gain -- 16 on the reception and a 15 facemask penalty on cornerback Decrid Griffin. He later caught a 15-yard pass. The Panthers are camping out in Minnesota territory but have only a 3-0 lead to show for it. Look for more from Jonathan Stewart in the second quarter.

   Jake Delhomme turned the ball over on a fumble after taking a snap from center and turning into pulling right guard Keydrick Vincent. The ball hit Vincent's hands and ended up on the ground near midfield. However, Carolina's defense held strong, forcing a quick three-and-out capped by a shared sack by Jon Beason and Charles Godfrey.

   SCORE: Carolina 3, Minnesota 0

 

   PRE-GAME: Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett is inactive this week. That's no big surprise given Steve Smith's return to the lineup. The Panthers regularly suit up four receivers and they need a spot for returner Mark Jones. For Minnesota, running back Adrian Peterson is active, but we're unsure of how much he'll play.

   Here are Sunday's inactives:

   For Carolina: WR Dwayne Jarrett, WR Ryne Robinson, DB C.J. Wilson, LB James Anderson, H Mackenzy Bernadeau, DE Hilee Taylor, OG Travelle Wharton, QB Matt Moore.

   For Minnesota: QB John David Booty, WR Sidney Rice, S Madieu Williams, CB Marcus McCauley, FB Thomas Tapeh, OT Drew Radovich, FB Jeff Dugan, DT Letroy Guion.

   Minnesota's sensational running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice Friday but he was limited in his work and remained questionable for Sunday's game because of a hamstring injury. According to Vikings head coach Brad Childress, he will make a game-time decision on Peterson's status.

   If Peterson can't go, they Chester Taylor will get the start.

   Strong safety Chris Harris, who has helped spark the unbeaten Carolina Panthers to two victories this season, was held out of Friday's practice with tightness in his thigh and was added to the injury report as questionable for Sunday’s game at Minnesota.

   Harris had practiced all week up until Friday.

   Harris has two forced fumbles this season, both leading to touchdowns in wins over San Diego and Chicago. In Week 1, Harris ripped the ball away from tight end Antonio Gates and cornerback Chris Gamble returned it for a touchdown. Last week against the Bears, Harris knocked the ball loose from tight end Greg Olsen with the Panthers trailing 14-6 and Gamble again recovered. Carolina went on to score a touchdown and win 20-17.

   Also, starting left guard Travelle Wharton has been ruled out for Sunday’s game with a sprained MCL in his knee. Third-string quarterback Matt Moore (knee) is also out, while returner Ryne Robinson will likely have to put his return on hold as he’s listed as doubtful.

   Defensive end Tyler Brayton (ankle), linebacker Na'il Diggs (shoulder), defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu (illness) and cornerbacks Richard Marshall (thigh) and Gamble (arm) all participated on a limited basis in practice Friday and are listed as questionable.

--A league official said Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs will not be fined for his hit Sunday on sliding Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme. According to the league, Briggs' hit was legal because Delhomme made a late decision to slide and Briggs has already committed himself to tackling Delhomme.

   At the very least, the Panthers cn rest assured knowing the play sparked them to a 20-17 win over the Bears. After the him, the Panthers sidelines was fired up.

Here's some other items from the interview with Steve Smith.

   Smith addressed why he didn't speak with the media on Wednesday, the first day of open locker room this week.

   "I just got here; I'm trying to feel my way through," Smith said Thursday, "Anybody wants me to explain and tell how I feel to be back -- I'm happy to be back, but I've still got a lot of catching up to do in the playbook, as far as making sure I know what I'm doing, my opponent, and just getting back in the flow of things with Jake (Delhomme), Muhsin (Muhammad), Hack (D.J. Hackett), D-wayne (Dwayne Jarrett) -- with all the guys that are in here.  It's a lot to bear on the first day. 

"Making sure that I'm at peace or that I need to let people know what's going on -- my first priority is in here and my job and then everything else.  I will allow that to present itself at the appropriate time, like today."

As of the Lucas fight, Smith said: "I can't really say exactly everything that I have felt and thought. I know I'm not a victim, as people may think.  I know I'm not giving them lip service.   I'm not just saying stuff just to get people off my back.  I'm telling you how I feel.  Sometimes, obviously, when you do something wrong, you don't want to constantly keep talking about it and going over and over, whether it happened two weeks ago or a month ago -- you just kind of want to say, ‘Hey, I made a mistake; I had to pay a price.'"

   Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith spoke to the local media on Thursday and said, among other things, he considers himself and cornerback Ken Lucas friends.

   “Yeah, I would say we’re friends,” Smith said. “I would think we’re friends. I think the conversation we had (in training camp) would indicate we are. I think we had a great conversation back in training camp. It was probably about two and a half hours. There were some frowns going on, some laughing and we talked about a lot of things. I think that was kind of the icebreaker. Hopefully it continues and I think it will.”

   Smith admitted he and Lucas never got along before the fight which resulted in his two-game suspension.

   “I thought he didn’t like me and he thought I didn’t like him. It’s plain and simple,” Smith said. “… Yeah, I mean I’ve always respected Ken. I guess it was just two prima donnas.”

   Smith also said he doesn’t view this as his last chance with the Panthers.

 

   “No, I’m not looking at it what way,” Smith said. “I just come here to play. Is it my last chance? I don’t see putting myself back in this predicament, no matter what people may speculate. People already had their perception of me anyway. I’m just kind of doing my deal and still going on. Playing football and doing the stuff I need to do. It is what it is. If I allow my past to just stay in the back of my head all of the time then I miss out on the future and the present…That is where I’m at. I’m trying to let it go. Not to forget about it. Yes I’ve made the mistake twice. I’m not planning making it a third time.”

   Smith also said he’s not going back into anger management counseling.

 

  --Cornerback Chris Gamble, linebacker Na'il Diggs and defensive end Tyler Brayton returned to practice on Thursday, albeit on a limited basis. You can pretty much expect those three and cornerback Richard Marshall (practiced-limited) will play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

   However, it looks unlikely that guard Travelle Wharton will get back on the field. Wharton revealed Wednesday that he has a sprained MCL in his right knee. That is typically an injury that keeps players out about a month, but the Panthers have been vague on that injury. Look for Geoff Hangartner to fill in for Wharton again this week.

   Ryne Robinson remains a question mark. He practiced again Thursday on a limited basis, but coach John Fox would only say he's "day-to-day."

   Matt Moore did not practice Thursday, nor did defensive tackle Maake Kemoeatu, who came down with an illness.

  

  

   Carolina Panthers coach John Fox said he expects DeAngelo Williams will start again this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, but that both Williams and Jonathan Stewart will continue to split carries.

   --Five Panthers did not practice on Wednsday: guard Travelle Wharton (knee), defensive end Tyler Brayton (ankle), linebacker Na'il Diggs (shoulder), cornerback Chris Gamble (arm), quarterback Matt Moore (knee). Two others were limited: cornerback Richard Marshall (leg) and receiver Ryne Robinson.

   --Steve Smith chose not to address the media on Wednesday.

The Seattle Seahawks are giving two familiar wide receivers another chance.

One is wide receiver Koren Robinson and the other is former Carolina Panther Keary Colbert.

Robinson, a Belmont native who has floundered his many opportunities in the NFL with bad decisions off the field, signed what is believed to be a one-year deal with the Seahawks as a free agent, according to the Seattle Times.

Robinson came into t he league with Seattle as a first-round draft pick in 2001 but was later released by coach Mike Holmgren after he ran out patience with Robinson.

His best season as a wide receiver came in 2002 when he caught 78 passes for 1,240 yards. However, his stock fell the next two seasons and he was suspended four games by the NFL in 2004 and released by the Seahawks that off-season after being arrested for DUI.

He made the Pro Bowl in 2005 with the Vikings as a returner and earned a nice contract that offseason.

However, the Vikings cut Robinson before he ever played a down under his new contract after he was arrested again during training camp for DWI and suspended by the NFL for a year.

He's not been in trouble since.

Robinson played with the Green Bay Packers last season and caught 21 passes.

Colbert, who had a brilliant rookie season with the Panthers but was never a factor after that, was acquired by the Seahawks in a trade with the Denver Broncos.

The Seahawks are desperate for help at receiver.

Bobby Engram, the top returning receiver from last season, is out with a broken shoulder and Deion Branch remains out following offseason knee surgery. Already, the Seahawks have lost Nate Burleson, Logan Payne and Ben Obomanu to season-ending injuries.

   The Carolina Panthers have released linebacker Donte Curry to make room on the roster for wide receiver Steve Smith, who was officially activated from the reserve-suspended list. Curry played on special teams last season for the Panthers, but was inactive the first two games of this year.

   The fact that the Panthers kept returner Mark Jones on the roster might be an indication that Ryne Robinson isn't quite ready to get back on the field.

 

   After only two games, the Carolina Panthers (2-0) find themselves in sole possession of first place in the NFC South. Atlanta, Tampa Bay and New Orleans are all 1-1.

   After tonight, there will be only five NFC teams with unbeaten records -- Carolina, Green Bay, Arizona, New York and either Dallas or Philadelphia, depending on who wins tonight.

   --Last week the NFL fined Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman $7,500 for his hit on Jake Delhomme. This week, Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs could face a similar fine.

   The Panthers allowed the Bears only 23 yards on 17 offensive plays in the fourth quarter.

   Those numbers are truly amazing.

   On the Bears final drive, they managed a 9-yard gain on first down on a run by Matt Forte, but the Panthers stopped them on the next three plays -- two of them passes -- to prevent them from picking up a yard. That secured the win.

   Prior to that play, middle linebacker Jon Beason huddled everyone together and said, "I'm going to give everything I've got for you and you do it for me. Guys went out and responded, and it was just an effort play -- mano y mano."

   It was the underapprecated nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu who broke up the play, getting a good push inside. Na'il Diggs and Julius Peppers both swarmed in to finish up, tackling fullback Jason McKie behind the line of scrimmage.

   "Big Maake made the play. I went over and hugged him and told him I loved him. I get a little emotional when we win. Especially when guys make plays, I feed off of it," Beason said.

   Said Beason: "I didn't even have to do anything. Maake knocked the guy back and made the play. We knew it was over, go out and kneel it and that's another one behind us."

   "We always want it that way, we want it on our back," safety Chris Harris said. "The offense carried us last week, and that is why they call this a team game. So we felt it was our turn. We had to return the favor this week and we just hope it evens out like that all year long."

   Geoff Hangartner will start at left guard for Travelle Wharton, who is inactive with a knee injury.

   Here are the rest of today's inactives:

   CAROLINA: QB Matt Moore, WR Ryne Robinson, CB C.J. Wilson, LB James Anderson, LB Donte Curry, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, DE Hilee Taylor, G Travelle Wharton.

   CHICAGO: QB Caleb Hanie, S Craig Seitz, RB Adrain Peterson, G Dan Buenning, T Chris Williams, DT Matt Toeina, WR Earl Bennett, DT Anthony Adams.

   Here's the Panthers injury report from Friday:

   Out: QB Matt Moore (leg).

   Doubtful: WR Ryne Robinson (knee) and LG Travelle Wharton (knee).

   Questionable: LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder), CB Chris Gamble (arm) and TE Dante Rosario (foot).

   Probable: Geoff Hangartner (illness).

   ANALYSIS: Robinson has a chance to come back next week against Minnesota. Wharton's absence means Hangartner will likely start at left guard. The Panthers could also shift Jeremy Bridges over to that spot if needed. The injury means rookie Mackenzy Bernadeau might just get a jersey Sunday. It's either him or Frank Omiyale.

   As for the guys who are questionable, look for all of them to play.

   Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario and linebacker Na'il Diggs returned to practice on Thursday, but guard Travelle Wharton sat out once again with a sprained knee. Rosario, Diggs, cornerback Chris Gamble and returner Ryne Robinson all participated on a limited basis on Thursday.

   I would expect Rosario, Diggs and Gamble to play, but I think Robinson is still a week away. In fact, the plan might be to keep Mark Jones around for this week and then release him next week when Steve Smith is activated from the reserve-suspended list and added to the 53-man roster. Even if Robinson weren't ready by the Minnesota game, Smith could step in and return punts if needed.

   As for Wharton, I think he's a big question mark for this week. The Panthers may be wise to use caution and not risk further injury expecially given the investment they made in him this past off-season. If that's the case, Geoff Hangartner would likely get the start Sunday against Chicago. But I think Wharton will want to try to give it a go. We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow brings. If he doesn't practice on Friday, I wouldn't expect him to play.

   Of course, quarterback Matt Moore remains out.

  

   Wide receiver/returner Ryne Robinson returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis. His availability for Sunday remains up in the air, but coach John Fox upgraded Robinson from "week-to-week" to "day-to-day." Basically what that means is Robinson is getting closer to returning to action, which means Mark Jones' days with the team are probably numbered.

   Also, Chris Gamble (arm) also practiced on a limited basis.

   Four players were held out of practice on Wednesday -- linebacker Na'il Diggs (foot, shoulder), tight end Dante Rosario (foot), guard Travelle Wharton (knee) and quarterback Matt Moore (knee). Moore will not play this week, but the other three are more likely to play against Chicago.

   Tackle Jeff Otah practiced "full" on Wednesday.

  

 

   The Carolina Panthers worked out nine players on Tuesday, including four defensive tackles.

   No moves are expected and the Panthers are simply updating their emergency list in case someone gets hurt.

   The most recognizable name on that list is defensive tackle Michael Myers, a 12-year veteran who last played with Cincinnati. He's also spent time with Dallas, Denver and Cleveland. Among the defensive tackle who worked out were Anthony Maddox, Amon Gordon and Junior Siavii. Carolina also worked out quarterback Jeff Rowe, wide receivers Jayson Foster and Marco Thomas, defensive end Charles Bennett and linebacker David McMillan.

 

   Things happened so fast on Sunday’s final touchdown drive that it’s hard to remember how it all went down. Today, we go back and break down Carolina’s game-winning 68-yard touchdown drive.

 

1-10 at CAR-32 (2:21) Jake Delhomme pass short left to D.J. Hackett, pushed out of bounds for 7 yards. That had to make Hackett feel good after his costly fumble on the previous possession nearly lost the game. Only one timeout left.

2-3 at CAR-39 (2:15) Delhomme pass short middle to Muhsin Muhammad for 13 yards. A great play going over the middle, especially knowing the two-minute warning was approaching.

1-10 at SD-48 (2:00) Delhomme pass incomplete to Muhammad over the middle. That was probably blessing because it wouldn’t have picked up much and would have cost valuable time.

2-10 at SD-48 (1:48) Delhomme pass short right to Hackett for 3 yards. And now fans are beginning to worry not only about scoring a touchdown, but picking up the first down, too.

3-7 at SD-45 (1:24) Delhomme pass over the middle for Dante Rosario for 11 yards. Rosario basically muscles the ball away from a defender and picks up the first down. He briefly fumbles, but recovers the ball. The Panthers get an added bonus here because officials elect to review the play, basically giving Delhomme and company a chance to regroup and call another play without burning their last timeout. The ruling on the field is upheld. First down Panthers. Now you’re thinking Carolina might just have a shot.

1-10 at SD-34 (:58) Delhomme pass incomplete to Hackett. Basically he threw this one away with nobody open.

2-10 at SD 34 (:53) Delhomme pass short to Dwayne Jarrett for 11 yards. Jarrett makes a great catch on a slant route and the Panthers hurry to the huddle. In retrospect, this might have been a great time to use the timeout, because that play costs the Panthers 22 seconds off the clock.

1-10 at SD 23 (:31) Delhomme pass short to Nick Goings for 3 yards. After the game, Delhomme said he made a mistake by checking down to Goings. “The ‘backer was right there,” he said. “I should have held back.” Compounding matters, the Panthers didn’t use a timeout here. That was a mistake as another 20 seconds tick off the clock.

2-7 at SD 20 (:11) Delhomme incomplete to Hackett in left corner of the end zone. Basically Delhomme threw this one up hoping Hackett could make a play, but he really had no chance. And now you’re thinking there’s no way the Panthers have a chance with only six ticks left.

3-7 at SD 20 (:06) Delhomme pass short right to Muhammad for 6 yards. A curious decision considering time could have expired and the Panthers needed 20 yards, not 6 for a touchdown. What good does 6 yards do you? But the play only lasts four seconds and the Panthers burn their only remaining timeout.

4-1 at SD 14 (:02) Delhomme pass short middle to Rosario for 14 yards and a TOUCHDOWN. Delhomme gets an early than expected snap from center in the shotgun, pumps once, makes eye contact with Rosario and then fires in the back of the end zone between three defenders for the score on a seldom-used play called “74 Rocket.”  Delhomme said he wanted to move a safety and hit a receiver on a seam. It worked out anyway. A wild celebration in the back of the end zone ensues as the Panthers upset the Chargers 26-24.

   "Oh man, I don't know how to put in words. Let's be honest," said Delhomme. "Games like this, they don't happen often. This ranks for me, I promise you.... I was just kind of standing there like it was kind of going in slow motion, just looking, looking, looking. I'm sure I had great protection, obviously. Then Dante and I kind of caught eyes; he was under the goal posts and I could see his eyes, and I just tried to throw it. He made an unbelievable play."

  --Oh, by the way, here's the link to Fox Sports listing Dante Rosario as "Rosario Dawson" after the game. An honest mistake, probably, but still pretty funny. Check it out: http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2008/09/both-fox-and-dick-stockton-think-that.html

 

   SAN DIEGO -- While the game was going on, suspended wide receiver Steve Smith continuously sent text messages to trainer Ryan Vermillion, who was on the sidelines. Smith was back home in Charlotte and wasn’t allowed to attend the game.
   “Ryan came over to me and said, ‘We’re killing Smitty because he’s texting like crazy.’” Jake Delhomme said after the game. “But I’m happy he was so into and I promise you he has a smile on his face.”
   When asked if Smith had texted him yet, Delhomme said, “Probably, my phone is vibrating like crazy in my pocket.”

   5:58: Travelle Wharton and Jeff Otah are now both back on the field for Carolina to start the second half.  

   HALFTIME: The Panthers are winning on the scoreboard (9-7) and on the ground. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for 112 yards on 19 carries. For the Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson has 33 yards on eight carries. But let's see how the Panthers come out in the second half. Last year they were terrible when coming out of the locker room.

   --Jeff Otah returned to the game late in the first half. (And the Panthers breathe a sigh of relief). Wharton remains out.

   --Guard Travelle Wharton was shaken up after a 33-yard field goal by John Kasay with 4:23 left in the second quarter. Wharton spent a few moments on the ground and later walked off the field under his own power. No word yet on his injury. Jeff Otah (knee) is already on the sidelines.

   --Just got word from the PR staff that Jeff Otah has a knee injury and his return is questionable. 

   --Otah has now been taken to the locker room for observations. He's walking off under his own power. It doesn't appear to be too serious, but we'll have to wait and see.

   --Panthers rookie right tackle Jeff Otah left the game late in the first quarter with an apparent left knee or ankle injury.

   He's being looked at on the sidelines. We have not heard yet if he'll return to the game. Jeremy Bridges is now in at right tackle.

   --Jonathan Stewart returned the opening kickoff for the Panthers, returning it from the 5 to the 25. That's a bit of a surprise considering he didn't return any during the preseason.

   --DeAngelo Williams starts at running back and looks good early.

   Here are today's inactive players. Nothing unexpected.

   For the Panthers: QB Matt Moore, WR Ryne Robinson, CB C.J. Wilson, LB James Anderson, LB Donte Curry, G Mackenzy Bernadeau, DE Hilee Taylor, OT Frank Omiyale.

   For the Chargers: QB Charlie Whitehurst, CB DeJuan Tribble, ILB Anthony Waters, C Nick Hardwick, OT Marcus McNeill, WR Buster Davis, TE Kris Wilson, DT Brandon McKinney.

 

Amazingly enough, the San Diego Chargers have not soldout Sunday's regular season home opener despite a flurry of high expectations surrounding this year's team.

Due to the Labor Day holiday and the shortened business week, the National Football League granted the Chargers a 24-hour extension in an effort to sell enough tickets and lift the local television blackout of this Sunday’s Chargers-Panthers game at Qualcomm Stadium, according to the team's website.  The team now has until 1:15 pm PT on Friday to sell the remaining 600 tickets.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the word out that we still have tickets for sale.  We think that a lot of fans just don’t realize we still have tickets available,” said Chief Operating Officer Jim Steeg.  “Our streak of 30 consecutive regular season and postseason sellouts is definitely in jeopardy.” 

Fans can go to the Chargers’ ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, go to www.Chargers.com or contact TicketMaster at 619-220-TIXS (8497). 

If there is a blackout, it will not affect markets in Carolinas. The game will still be shown on Fox.

   At some point, defensive end Julius Peppers will become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.

   He knows that. He has to.

   But Peppers isn't thinking about contracts as the regular season approaches.

   "Not at all," said Peppers when asked if he's concerned about entering the final year of his deal with the Panthers. "Not right now. I’ve got to focus on playing San Diego right now. I can’t really be focusing on contracts or what’s going to be happening with contracts or what’s going to happen after the season or during the season. I’ve got to focus on right now."

  It helps, perhaps, that Peppers is already pretty wealthy. He doesn't need to worry about money. For him, the next contract will be more about his status in the league than the number of zeroes in his bank account. Great players want to be paid like great players.

  By the end of this season Peppers will have collected more than $45 million from his rookie contract (the exact figure is not known because the deal has been restructured a few times and Peppers' performance over the years has also triggered a number of incentives). The next deal is expected to net him more than $72 million over seven years.

   The Panthers want to retain Peppers.

   Negotiations between the Panthers and Peppers' agent, Carl Carey, have been ongoing for months, but with no agreement reached. There remains an open dialogue between GM Marty Hurney and Carey and talks have remained pleasant throughout.

    At some point, I think the Panthers will pony up big money to keep Peppers. I think that's only a matter of time. In the meantime it's nice to know that Peppers is focused more on the task ahead of him than fattening up an already bulging wallet.

  

   Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore fractured his fibula during practice Wednesday, forcing the team to sign Brett Basanez to the practice squad. The injury is not season-ending and Moore will be reevaluated on a week-to-week basis, according to general manager Marty Hurney.

   The injury stems from the hit Moore took last week in the preseason finale against Pittsburgh.

   "We had done some x-rays and an MRI on his leg (after the Steelers game) and everything was fine," Hurney said. "But after one throw today he felt a pop and we took him in for another x-ray. It was a fractured fibula. We'll take it week-to-week with Matt. Fortunately, it's not a season-ending thing."

   Hurney said Moore will not go on injured reserve.

   Basanez, who tried out on Tuesday with the Jacksonville Jaguars, gives the Panthers an insurance policy. They can sign him to the 53-man roster at any time but as of right now the Panthers are likely to go into Sunday's game with only two quarterbacks -- Jake Delhomme and Josh McCown.

   The team released Angelo Craig from the practice squad to make room for Basanez.

   It's been a busy first day of open locker room here at Bank of America Stadium. Defensive end Julius Peppers had some interesting comments regarding the team's defense and the difference from a year ago. Jake Delhommed talked about the absence of Steve Smith. D.J. Hackett talked about getting back on the field. Ken Lucas talked more about the Steve Smith incident, which I will be sharing with you later this week in a column. Check back later for more info.

   --The Panthers named their five captains on Wednesday and Steve Smith was not among them this year. This year's captains are Jake Delhomme and Muhsin Muhammad on offense, Julius Peppers and Jon Beason on defense and John Kasay on special teams.

   --As expected, D.J. Hackett was back on the practice field for the Panthers. Hackett hasn't practiced since Aug. 6, but could start Sunday at San Diego. Coach John Fox wouldn't say who will start opposite Muhammad, but Hackett is listed with the first team on the team's depth chart.

   --Ryne Robinson was the only player who did not practice Wednesday. Matt Moore practiced on a limited basis.

   Panthers coach John Fox said wide receiver D.J. Hackett will join the team on the practice field Wednesday and should be ready for Sunday's game against San Diego. Hackett has been out since Aug. 6 with a toe injury.

   "They (the medical staff) are optimistic he will be practicing tomorrow," Fox said.

   The Panthers only had meetings Tuesday, but will actually resume normal game-week preparations on Wednesday.

   --Asked what he likes about new quarterback Josh McCown, Fox said, "I think the fact that he's had 31 starts. He's got some game experience. He's a guy that we've had some interest in every time he's been available. We'll get him schooled up as fast as we can and go from there."

   Fox said McCown has caused the team fits when he's played against them.

   "He has great mobility, he's a good athlete and he has a strong arm. Now it's just a matter of getting him indoctrinated into our system," Fox said.

   When asked how much catching up McCown has to do, Fox said, "A year ago we had a rookie (Matt Moore) who came in a day later than this who started and won for us. But he's a veteran who has been around so he knows the game and he'll pick it up fast."

   --In 2006, Panthers played the first two games of the season without Pro Bowl wide receiver Steve Smith, who had an injured hamstring. This year, Smith is out against San Diego and Chicago while serving a team-imposed suspension.

   When asked what he learned from that experience, Fox said, "It wasn't much fun. But hopefully we're a better team now. We have a tall order going out there against a team that 7-1 at home last year and some people are picking to be the representatives of the AFC."

   When asked why he believes this team is better suited to handle the loss of Smith, Fox replied, "It's just a feel of the team."

   --Fox said he wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers load up against the run with Smith out.

   "You never going in knowing, which is why you play the game," Fox said. "It wouldn't surprise me if that's part of what they do. Those other guys playing are pros too and they are on a 53-man roster and they have caught balls in the NFL. So it will be like game, it will be who executes."