Panthers change lineup again after tough outing
By MIKE CRANSTON
AP Sports Writer
SPARTANBURG, S.C.—Two days after the new-look offensive line struggled to protect Jake Delhomme in a preseason loss, Carolina Panthers coach John Fox made more changes in Sunday’s practice.
Justin Hartwig, who moved to right guard last week, was back at center. Geoff Hangartner, who had been with the second team, worked as the starting right guard. Rookie Ryan Kalil, who started at center against Philadelphia Friday, was back with the second team.
“That’s what the preseason is for, looking at guys in different spots,” Fox said.
Fox has been forced to experiment because of Jeremy Bridges’ impending two-game suspension to start the regular season. Bridges, who was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge the day before players reported to training camp, had been penciled in to start at right guard.
Bridges started in the preseason opener against the New York Giants, but has been working with the second team since.
“We’ve just got to figure out the five best guys in that situation and what positions need to be filled,” left guard Mike Wahle said. “The coaches are going to keep experimenting until they feel they have our best situation. It’s somewhat difficult, but at the same time it only makes us better. The more positions guys can play, the more depth we have, the better off we’ll be.”
The first-team line gave up three sacks in the first half Friday, a week after playing well in the win against the Giants.
“Guys were working hard, not necessarily working at the same technical level that we did the week before,” Wahle said.
PEP’S SICKNESS: The Panthers practiced Sunday without defensive end Julius Peppers, who was first sidelined Thursday when Fox said he was suffering from a fever.
Peppers didn’t travel to Philadelphia for the preseason game, and was back in Charlotte during Sunday’s practice.
Fox wouldn’t reveal the illness.
“Don’t read anything into it. He’s ####,” Fox said.
Stanley McClover continued to work with the first team in Peppers’ absence.
RUCKER’S BACK: Defensive end Mike Rucker reached another goal in his quick return from major knee surgery.
Nine months after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and just over eight months after undergoing surgery, Rucker started and played in two series in Friday’s preseason loss to Philadelphia.
“It was just taking a step and going through warmups and seeing how I feel,” Rucker said. “I felt good and they gave me the thumbs up and we got a few series under my belt. It was good to see some different people and different plays. It got my mind thinking about getting ready for game time.”
The 32-year-old Rucker has been pleased with his recovery from an injury some take a year to return from.
“I know there are times where you get cut or get hit in it and you get that soreness,” Rucker said. “I’m still in uncharted territory.”
SPARTANBURG SWANG SONG: Fox confirmed training camp will end after Monday’s morning workout.
There were rumblings Fox was going to send the players home after meetings on Sunday if they played well in the preseason game against the Eagles. Falling behind 24-0 ended those hopes _ and meant two more practices at Wofford College.
Still, Fox said he’s not alarmed with the 27-10 loss to the Eagles.
“The other night we weren’t really happy with what we did, but there were some bright spots. The sky wasn’t falling,” Fox said. “We ran the ball good. We stopped the run. The passing game is going to require some work on both sides, whether it’s pass defense or pass offense.”
After Monday’s workout, the Panthers will practice in Charlotte for the rest of the season. The Panthers play their next preseason game at home Friday against New England.
QUICK HITS: Na’il Diggs’ nagging hamstring injury flared up and he was back riding a bike during Sunday’s practice. Rookie Jon Beason worked with the first team at outside linebacker. ... Reserve receiver Josh Davis had his appendix removed over the weekend and is out indefinitely. ... Defensive end Dave Ball’s one-handed interception of David Carr’s screen pass was the play of practice.