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.