Injury Update: Smith, Lucas, Practice
August 16, 2008
For the first time since August first, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas squared off against each other during practice. It appears that the team has completely moved on from the brawl on August first, and it’s good to see both players back on the field practicing. Panther’s Head Coach John Fox even quoted: “In fact, until you mentioned it,” Fox said about the fight “I didn’t think about it. It’s good to have them both back.” This at least shows you that the fight isn’t lingering in anyone’s mind.
The Panthers will still be without Smith for the first two regular season games, and with Muhsin Muhammad joining the ranks of the Panthers injured wide receiving corps, things look a little grim. With Moose not practicing from bruised ribs suffered on the nasty endzone collision with Eagle Brain Dawkins, the Panthers are left with Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett, who returned to practice Saturday also, as starters. With three weeks left till the season begins, there is still time for the Panthers to get healthy, specifically D. J. Hackett and that lingering toe injury. Hackett needs to be ready by week one because the Panthers are facing one of their toughest opponents of the first nine weeks in the San Diego Chargers.
Outside of Smith and Lucas there isn’t much else to report on. The Panther’s secondary is still hurting with Chris Gamble and Chris Harris still out with injuries. Gamble I’m not worried about, he’s got a very good backup in Richard Marshal, it’s Harris that concerns me. Harris has been the emotional leader in that secondary, providing a huge boost to the position last season after the retirement of Mike Minter. Harris has to be back in that secondary, because the Panther’s defense will be picked apart if he isn’t. As I said before Harris still has three weeks to get healthy, besides, for veterans like Harris training camp and preseason is pretty much worthless.
WR Ryne Robinson, DT Ian Scott and TEs Dante Rosario and Gary Barnidge all remained sidelined with injuries Saturday as well.
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Written by Dylan Forrester · Filed Under Injuries, Training Camp
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