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.