Muhsin Muhammad has missed only one game in the previous five season due to injury. (Photo by John Clark)

   CHARLOTTE – Everyone has been anxious to see what Dwayne Jarrett can do -- and now that time has arrived.
   Carolina Panthers veteran wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals because of a knee injury, the team announced Friday afternoon, which means Jarrett will get the start in his place.
   Also out for the Panthers are starting free safety Charles Godfrey (sprained ankle) and tight end Dante Rosario (sprained knee).
   Jarrett will make only his second NFL start, his other coming last year against Tampa Bay when the Panthers opened with a rare three-receiver set. He didn't play much in that game and had one reception for 4 yards.

     “I just have to answer the call and not try to do anything more or anything less,” said Jarrett, a second-round pick 2007. “I just have to be me. I have to try to catch some balls. That’s all I have to do.”
   Jarrett has three catches for 26 yards this season and 19 catches for 218 yards for his career. He's never caught a touchdown pass. As for the knock against him that he struggles to get off the line quick enough, Jarrett said it’s something he’s been working on at length with receivers coach Richard Williamson.
   “When I’m out there I use my body a lot. I’m a big guy,” Jarrett said. “It’s kind of hard for guys, even if they get their hands on me, because I can push them off or bulldoze my way through it. I’ve been working with coach (Williamson) and getting better every day, especially in one-on-ones and stuff. I’ve definitely improved.”
   Martin, the team’s second-round draft pick out of Troy, will make his first NFL start this week and it will come against a very good passing team.
   “I'm excited in a way. No matter how big or small my role is I just want to come in and be accountable,” Martin said.
   Martin started out as a cornerback, but the Panthers moved him to safety earlier this season.
   “Overall I just feel more familiar with the defense, just knowing what is asked of us and what's going on at each position,” Martin said.

   Barnidge caught his first three NFL passes last week, totaling 77 yards against Buffalo. It was his first extensive playing time of the season after Rosario injured his knee.
   In other injury news, linebackers Thomas Davis (hamstring) and Landon Johnson (shoulder), kicker Rhys Lloyd (ankle), fullback Brad Hoover and running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles) are questionable. Johnson was limited in practice Friday, but the other four practiced full.