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Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008

Panthers might alternate running backs

CHARLOTTE -- Never mind who's starting. The Panthers might just alternate their running backs every series.

It would be hard to argue with the results, as DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart both ran wild with the starters against the Washington Redskins. They combined for 185 yards on the ground in the first half alone, with Williams gaining 93 on seven carries and Stewart 92 on eight.

The two backs swapped possessions with the starting offensive line, and matched each other throughout the night.

Stewart got the first carry (they didn't throw on Williams' first shot), and took it 12 yards before being stopped for no gain on his next one. Williams one-upped him, gaining 13 on his first attempt. Then when Stewart busted a 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter, Williams came out the next time out and went 60 for a score.

It was Stewart's first work with the starters, as he missed the first game with soreness in his surgically repaired right big toe, and then worked with the reserves in last week's rain-soaked mess in Philadelphia. In that game, he gained 3 yards on four carries.

Throughout camp, they've eased him back, but he looked decisive and powerful against the Redskins, giving the Panthers the potential for a multiple-back stable they were hoping for.

• JARRETT STARTS: With Muhsin Muhammad getting a night off and D.J. Hackett still hurt, second-year receiver Dwayne Jarrett turned in a solid performance with the first team, as well.

He caught three passes for 39 yards in the first half, and didn't look lost in the running game, either. On Stewart's touchdown run, he sealed off his guy, allowing Stewart the crease he needed.

Muhammad missed most of the week of practice with sore ribs, but returned Thursday. He was slowed after a hard shot by Philadelphia safety Brian Dawkins last week. Dawkins was fined $5,000 for the helmet-to-helmet hit, though Muhammad did not sustain a concussion.

• SURVIVING A SCARE: Wide receiver Steve Smith had to be helped off the field after the first play of the game, when he apparently hurt his right shoulder laying out for a deep pass from Jake Delhomme.

The ball went at least 50 yards in the air (which was good news for Delhomme), but it was just off Smith's fingertips. Trainers got him off the field, but he was back out there the next series.

• SURPRISE, SURPRISE: He didn't play, but there was an encouraging sign for wide receiver Hackett before the game. He actually was on the field warming up with the rest of the players beforehand.

Hackett's been bothered by a toe problem lately, and knee swelling earlier in camp. As a result, he's only been able to complete 10 practices since the start of training camp.

Coach John Fox said last week he expected to get Hackett and strong safety Chris Harris (groin) back on the practice field Monday.

• CUTS COMING: The Panthers will submit their first round of roster cuts Tuesday.

Instead of deeper cuts as in years past, they only have to reduce the roster from 80 to 75 this time.

Final cuts from 75 to 53 will come Saturday, following their preseason finale Thursday at Pittsburgh.

They'll actually get to keep 54 at that point, since Smith won't count against the regular-season roster until his two-week suspension ends. He'll be listed on the reserve-suspended list to begin the year.

• EXTRA POINTS: Even though the Panthers won the toss, they still took the ball to start the game.

Coaches have the option this season to defer their choice until the second half, and Fox has indicated he'd probably do so once the regular season started. ...

Only four players didn't suit up for the game: Muhammad, Hackett, Harris and wide receiver Ryne Robinson. ...

Captains for the game, as chosen by Fox, were: Ken Lucas, Jon Beason, Jordan Gross, Brad Hoover and Nick Goings. Players will elect season captains after final cuts.