Panthers' Omiyale will dress vs. Chiefs, but his role is uncertain

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CHARLOTTE — Panthers backup tackle Frank Omiyale’s definitely going to get to dress for Sunday’s game against Kansas City. He might even get to do something he’s never done in the NFL — take a snap on offense.

Injuries have forced Omiyale into the plans for this week. Left tackle Jordan Gross is out following last week’s concussion, and right tackle Jeff Otah is listed as doubtful because of an ankle sprain.

Coach John Fox wouldn’t commit to naming Gross’ replacement Friday, but he essentially has two options — either promote Omiyale or shift guard Travelle Wharton outside and bring Geoff Hangartner in to play left guard. It’s at least a familiar situation, since they’ve only finished two games with the same five linemen that started, and those were the games Hangartner replaced the injured Wharton.

“Part of the league, part of the game,” Fox said of losing Gross for a week. “We’ve dealt with it before, and we’ll deal with it again.”

Being considered for a start represents a huge step for a guy who’s barely been involved, having been active for just three previous games in his four-year career.

Originally a fifth-round pick from Tennessee Tech, Omiyale was inactive for all 16 games his rookie season with Atlanta. He got to dress for a game in 2006, but his role was limited. “Just special teams,” he said shaking his head. The Falcons cut him last year, and eager to find a more physical player than the narrow Rashad Butler, the Panthers claimed him off waivers. Then, he was inactive for 16 more games. He got to dress for the two games earlier this year when Wharton was hurt, but again only played on field goals and extra points.

“You feel like you’re there but not a part,” Omiyale said. “But a lot goes into getting to Sunday. You know you’re doing your job, playing your role, and that’s something you have to keep reminding yourself.”

On game days when he’s in sweats, he mainly helps Gross with defensive tendencies and has pi˙cked up tricks by watching.

“You’re kind of in the game without being in the game,” he said. “Just a lot of knowing what’s going on so we can get things straightened out on the sidelines, and just trying to help the guy in front of you.”

n PEPPERS FINED: Defensive end Julius Peppers was fined $10,000 by the league for last week’s hit on Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan.

The first-quarter shot drew an unnecessary roughness penalty from referee Ed Hochuli, who’s been under the microscope since his role in San Diego’s controversial loss to Denver in Week 2, in which he admitted he blew a call.

On the Peppers’ play, it appeared his helmet grazed Ryan’s on the way by, after he made initial contact with his shoulder pads. It negated an interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Richard Marshall.

Though there was no direct comment from the league, the fine stands as an implicit validation of Hochuli’s call.

“I’m not trying to hit him with my helmet, not trying to hurt him, but it’s football, too, and I’m going for the tackle, so helmets might hit sometimes,” Peppers said after the game. “Ed said he had to call it. Said it wasn’t nothing malicious or anything like that, but he had to call it if my helmet hit his helmet. That’s what it was. …

“It’s football. You’ve got to get the guy down. So, if your helmet hits his helmet, whatever. It’s unfortunate that Rich got the pick and it negated it, but we rallied and didn’t let it affect us and that’s the good thing.”

Also Friday, backup defensive tackle Darwin Walker was fined $7,500 for a major facemask penalty.

n EXTRA POINTS: Other than the possibility of playing without their starting offensive tackles, the injury report was mostly good news.

Third quarterback Matt Moore’s status was upgraded to doubtful after participating on a limited basis Friday, his first work since breaking his left leg the week before the opener. Doesn’t matter much, since he’s the third once he comes back, but they were pleased to see him recovering quickly.

Cornerback Ken Lucas (ankle), safety Quinton Teal (ankle) and wide receiver Ryne Robinson (knee) are questionable, while quarterback Jake Delhomme (thigh) and linebacker Na’il Diggs (illness) are probable. All but Teal practiced Friday.

daringantt@carolina.rr.com