SB Nation - Ryan Kalil

Panther Paw Prints - Vikings Win Edition

Jaxon — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:38:45 -0000

More photos » by Chuck Burton - AP

1 day ago: Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) rolls into the end zone for a touchdown in the second half against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

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The Panthers Sunday Night Football victory over the Vikings left a lot of Panther fans feeling more optimistic about the team for 2010. I think John Fox certainly helped his cause for being a part of it, or at least Scott Fowler thinks so:

Scott Says ...: 5 things I liked in Panthers' win over Vikings
4) John Fox and the coaching staff. Talk about trying hard to keep your jobs -- a superb game plan yielded a great result. I was all set in this space to rip Fox for not going for the 52-yard field goal at the end of the first half, but given the fact Carolina beat an 11-2 team by 19 points, I don't have the heart.

Speaking of heart it was nice to see Peppers playing with some serious heart:

Tony Romo carries Cowboys; Panthers stun Vikings; more - Peter King - SI.com
Peppers' dominance got Bryant McKinnie yanked from the game. (When's the last time you saw a top-10 left tackle get pulled for performance, not being hurt? Ever? I don't recall it.) It forced Brad Childress to put pedestrian Artis Hicks at left tackle, and to keep a back in to chip on Peppers when the game got desperate and the Vikings fell behind in the second half.

Still no word if McKinnie truly got benched or if he suffered some type of injury. Maybe something similar to getting run over by a truck!

For all the attention placed on Steve Smith's comedic interview with Andrea Kramer on the sideline, he had some truly profound words to say later:

It's like old times again for Smith - CharlotteObserver.com
"The bottom line is we play this game but it's also our job," says Smith. "There are a lot of men in there (the locker room) and there are a lot of young men in there and this is their lifelong dream. This game means more to them than you can explain with words."

This guy wears his heart on his sleeve every week and it rubs off on the other players:

Panthers show their pride - CharlotteObserver.com
"As a man, as a team, the most important thing is pride," said center Ryan Kalil. "We have this job, we get paid a lot of money to do what we do. So that's what I really like about this team. "We've got guys who take a lot of pride in what they're doing. Now we have to concentrate on finishing."

Yes Ryan, lets finish it!

Why was this such a big deal?

Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers - Recap - December 20, 2009 - ESPN
"Brad wanted to go in a different direction. And I wanted to stay in the game," Favre said. "It's not 70-6, but we were up 7-6. I said I'm staying in the game. I'm playing."

So they argued, why is that international news. HCs and QBs argue when they are getting killed.

DE Jared Allen, who so many Panthers fans point to as one DE better than their own Peppers, is in awe of the Pep:

Favre, Childress argue, Panthers beat Vikings 26-7 - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
"We were playing great defense until the fourth quarter," said Vikings defensive end Jared Allen(notes), outplayed by Carolina counterpart Peppers. "We’ve got to dig down, we’ve got to find that fight within us to win games. You’ve got to battle for it."

I case you missed it here is Smitty Kramer interview:

Steve Smith: "I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game" - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
"You know, uh... You know, #22 [Vikings cornerback Benny Sapp(notes)] had something to say to me on the field. So, little youngster (note: Sapp is 28) ... (he was) just telling me who he is, so I had to establish the rules and regulations of the game." When asked what the "rules of the game" were, Smith was succinct: "89." Dramatic pause. "Bottom line. That's why he going home."

Still cracks me up. So does this description of the Vikings:

The Minnesota Vikings Are Soft As Ballerinas | Bleacher Report
They harried the Vikings pass blockers so much that left tackle Bryant McKinnie had to be benched. His replacement, Artis Hicks, apparently didn’t want his tutu to get smudged, either. Julius Peppers, playing in front of a national audience on a one-year contract, had Brett Favre on speed dial the entire evening. Peppers played like a ferocious, well,...panther.

We haven't used the cliche in a while.

Poll

Which of the following is most to blame for the Panthers poor special teams play?

A Conversation with Geoff Schwartz

Ryan Basen — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:37:31 -0000

More photos » by Alan Diaz - AP

Keydrick Vincent (68) and Travelle Wharton (background) are two of only three Panthers offensive linemen who began the season as starters projected to start Sunday against Minnesota. They are helping Geoff Schwartz prepare for his first career start at tackle this week. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

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In the 2008 NFL Draft the Panthers selected three offensive linemen among their nine picks. The plan was for Jeff Otah, a first-round pick, to start immediately at tackle. Seventh-round selections Geoff Schwartz and Mackenzy Bernadeau were viewed as projects who could add to the Panthers' depth eventually.

Less than two full seasons later Bernadeau and Schwartz are preparing to start for Carolina, and Otah is out. Otah is the second Panthers tackle to succumb to a season-ending injury this year, after injuring his knee in last Sunday's loss at New England. Jordan Gross broke his ankle Nov. 15 against Atlanta. Travelle Wharton slid over from guard to replace Gross, with Bernadeau replacing Wharton.

Now it is Schwartz's turn to fill in. The 6-foot-6, 331-pound 23-year-old is expected to make his first career start Sunday night against visiting Minnesota. It's a heck of a way to launch an NFL career. He will line up against the NFL's No. 4-ranked run defense (and 6th overall), anchored by standouts in defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams, and end Jared Allen.

Schwartz spoke about the challenges he faces Sunday, and about relishing the chance to start:

Schwartz, a three-year starter at the University of Oregon, may feel familiar in the Panthers huddle. Tailback Jonathan Stewart and tight end Dante Rosario both played with Schwartz at Oregon. Schwartz suffered a back injury as a junior, which scouts say made his draft stock slip last year. He was complimented for his size and strength, but draft experts questioned his quickness and athleticism -- although he was a good enough athlete to play football, basketball and baseball in high school.

Schwartz spent all of last season on the practice squad, learning to play a pro style offense after lining up in the spread at Oregon. He has been active this season.

Schwartz is excited about and prepared for Sunday's game, he says. "I'm as ready as I can be. It's a good opportunity...Any opportunity you get in this league, you've got to relish."

Schwartz is a "much different" player than he was when he came out of Oregon. He called last season a transition season, "more like a redshirt year." He has since learned to play the Panthers' system and added strength, in part by lifting weights with Gross and center Ryan Kalil nearly every day in the offseason. "I used (last year) to get ready," he said. By the time he was participating in OTA's during the offseason, he felt comfortable enough to play.

The criticism from draft experts and scouts last year does not motivate Schwartz, he says. Instead, "I want to prove to myself more than anybody else" that he can play in the NFL.

Nor is Schwartz playing with his career in mind, although the way he plays over the next three games could determine where he ends up next season. "I'm not really looking at it right now," he says. "I just want to play and show what I can do."

So how badly does he want to play? Well, badly enough the the specter of playing in prime time, against the 11-2 Vikings, does not up the ante. "It doesn't matter when we actually play -- Thursday, Saturday, Sunday," he said. "I'm just hungry for the opportunity. It just happens to be Sunday night." ...

Schwart's teammates also spoke of the changes on the offensive line, and of the urgency that they hope Bernadeau and Schwartz play with. "Any time you have a chance to start in this league, you have a chance to put yourself on film," tight end Jeff King says. "That's your resume."

"It's going to be exciting to see what they can do," guard Kendrick Vincent said. Vincent, in his 9th season, gave this advice to the two green linemen: "Just go out there and have fun." ...

Other teammates had fun with Schwartz. As he faced the media horde in the Panthers' locker room after practice Wednesday afternoon, teammates walked by and dropped one liners. A sample:

--"Fresh haircut."

--"School pictures."

--"The next Anthony Munoz." ...

Two final notes on Schwartz: He once carried the ball in college, when Oregon Quarterback Dennis Dixon ran a play the wrong way and flipped the ball to Schwartz. Dixon thought Schwartz was a back. He caught the pitch and ran for three yards. See the play here.

Schwart'z father once kept a Web site about his son's athletics exploits. It has not been updated since 2005, but it is still active.

New York Jets Run Defense vs. Carolina Panthers Run Offense

John B — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:15:40 -0000

by Patrick Semansky - AP

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Like the Jets, the Panthers own one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Unlike the Jets, they lean on two different backs instead of one. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart might be the best tailback tandem in football. Williams has 982 yards, 7 touchdowns, and a 5.1 average. Had the Panthers not snatched him up in the 2006 Draft right before the Jets went on the clock, there's a chance the Jets may have grabbed him instead of Nick Mangold. Stewart has 509 yards, 6 touchdowns, and a 4.6 average. Williams is the complete package as a runner. Stewart only really lacks breakaway speed. Stewart has been battling an Achilles injury but participated in practice fully on Friday and should be ready to go.

The Panthers are a great run blocking team. Ryan Kalil fights with Nick Mangold and Miami's Jake Grove for the title of best run blocking center. Sione Pouha and Howard Green will have their hands full. David Harris and Bart Scott had better be comfortable working in traffic. The Jets have shown more four man fronts since the Kris Jenkins injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see that trend continue. Carolina will miss Jordan Gross on the left side. Travelle Wharton represents a major downgrade at left tackle. The rest of the Panthers line is full of solid blockers from Jeff Otah to Keydrick Vincent to MacKenzy Bernadeau.

Carolina also has an excellent lead blocking fullback, Brad Hoover, although they do like to run a lot of three receiver and double tight sets so Hoover, who is battling an ankle injury may not see much time. It's going to be really important for the secondary to assist in run support. Muhsin Muhammad in particular is an excellent blocking receiver. Lito Sheppard might be called on to get off a block and make a key tackle when the Panthers send Williams outside.

Redskins vs. Panthers: Blogger Q&A

Jaxon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:28:12 -0000

This is our next installment of Blogger Q&A with Redskins blogger KevinE from Hogs Haven. Kevin was kind enough to answer five of my questions without holding back about how he really feels! Be sure to look for my answers to his questions on his site later tomorrow.

Also, if you should have some questions of your own feel free to put them in the comments and then maybe we can get Kevin or his members to answer them over the next couple days.

So here we go:

Question 1: I imagine after the loss to the Lions there were many people calling for Jim Zorn's head. Has the victory over the Bucs tempered that? Does the fan base still have confidence in Zorn and this team to make a playoff push this year?

KevinE: People aren't really calling for his head. The real problem probably goes all the way to the top in that the Redskins are a team built via free agency that has CONTINUALLY avoided drafting Offensive linemen. The Skins most recent OL first round draft pick is Chris Samuels back in 2000. The offense has sputtered for so many years due to the inability to create running lanes and protect the QB. The real reason the Skins ended the year 2-6 last year is that the OL starters got injured and there was no quality depth to step in. Guess how many offensive lineman the Skins drafted last year? Zero.

So maybe the Panther run defense gets out of the ditch this week.

Question 2: It seems is wasn't too long ago QB Jason Campbell was looking much improved and the clear leader at QB for this team. I see he has a QB rating of 85 with 5 TD's and 5 INT's. Is Campbell still the QB of the future for this team? What is he doing right or wrong this season?

KevinE: It's obvious now that Jason Campbell is not the QB of the future. He is however a decent QB that doesn't make a lot of mistakes (save for last game). When your team has a shoddy OLine, you need a QB that can make plays out of nothing, ala Ben Roethlisberger. Jason Campbell is not that guy, but he has proven he can be an efficient passer. The Redskins fan base is still behind him for the most part.

I know many Panther fans have expressed a desire to go after Campbell if he becomes a free agent. Still feel that way?

Question 3: What's the latest with Clinton Portis? I see the Redskins are looking at Chris Henry. Is the running back situation that dire?

KevinE: It is dire. Clinton Portis is not the back he used to be. He is still a great runner that plays through injuries, but he no longer has the home-run threat every team needs. If he hits a hole with wide open space, the run won't go past 20 yards. In addition, he can't take the 30+ carries per game pounding like he used to, so the Skins are scrambling to find someone that can take some of the load off and effectively.

The Panthers should expect to see plenty of Ladell Betts on Sunday who can still take it to the house.

Question 4: Who has been the biggest surprise on the team so far this season good or bad? Was the Albert Haynesworth deal still a good one in your view? (Okay that was 2 questions)

KevinE: Albert Haynesworth has been great so far. What's discouraging is the DE's that are drawing the 1-1's on the ends are not getting to the QB (Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels). Jeremy Jarmon, who we picked up in the supplemental draft (for a 3rd round pick next year), has been playing at a very high level. He's getting more and more snaps each week and he forced the game winning fumble last week.

Might we see more runs to the edge with Haynesworth in the middle? This should be a good test for C Ryan Kalil and the interior of the Panthers o-line.

Question 5: What do the Panthers need to do most effectively on both sides of the ball to get their first win on Sunday?

KevinE: Benching Delhomme should guarantee you a win, but realistically, not turning the ball over is the key. The Redskins are not an effective team in the red zone, so if you can limit your turnovers, and the number of chances the Redskins have in your zone, it will be a close game late. DeAngelo Hall has not been impressive so far, and our other corner, Carlos Rogers, is great at defending, but not catching, so getting the ball to Steve Smith as much as possible would be my game plan. Defensively, we are an easy team to game plan against. The right side of the Redskins oline can't run block, so the Panthers will take away the run left. Pressure on Campbell will win this game for you, and of course have all of Redskins Nation PLEADING for the front office to draft an offensive lineman.

Oh the negative Delhomme perception is so widespread. I guess if we win with Delhomme at QB the Redskins demoralization will be complete huh? First the Lions, then Delhomme. It bet they would want Zorn's head then!

I big thanks to KevinE who runs a wildly popular site, one the best at SBN. Feel free to add your questions and comments.

Go Panthers!

No Question Panthers Will Draft Offensive Line Depth

Jaxon — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:27:53 -0000

I don't even pretend to think I have a clue as to exactly what the Panthers will do on draft day. The Panthers propensity for making trades on draft day the last two drafts laid waste to my meticulous plans. So I'm going to make my first prediction a little more broad.

The Panthers will draft an offensive lineman, maybe even two. Yes, you heard it hear first (maybe) and I realize I'm going out on limb by saying it but yes, a big ugly for the front line. Wait, I'm channeling my inner Mayock...not only will they take a lineman but they will pick one that can play center. Only cutting edge stuff here folks. Okay, maybe it's just a little obvious.

I find it real strange that the Panthers five offensive line starting positions are already set. Yet the competition for the three back-up spots on the roster is wide open. If you use the three back-ups from last season as a template then the players would be a tackle (Frank Omiyale), a guard-tackle (Jeremy Bridges) and a guard-center (Geoff Hangartner).

The Panthers currently have two back-up tackles in 2^nd year player Geoff Schwartz and free agent pick-up Jonathan Palmer. Schwartz is a pure tackle but Palmer actually has experience playing all three line spots. Though he's probably too big to play center (6-4", 336 lbs) he seems nicely slotted to compete for the guard-tackle spot. Palmer has been on the Panthers practice squad in September so he has had time to learn the playbook.

The remaining reserve lineman is guard Mackenzy Bernadeau, another 2^nd year player that essentially earned the final roster spot last season. That fact suggests that the Panthers think too highly of the kid to leave him exposed on the practice squad so he should have an inside track to retaining one of the key back-up spots. Bernadeau can play guard and tackle though he is slated at guard.

So even though the Panthers lost all of their depth due to free agency they are not without options on the current roster. The only hole is at center. As far as I can tell the Panthers do not have anyone who can play center besides starter Ryan Kalil. They don't even have a long-snapper at the moment as Jason Kyle is an UFA though he has yet to sign with another team. So I'm thinking a center and at least one other pick that could be a guard or tackle.

I'm thinking the Panthers use their early picks on defense but use the later picks for the o-line, the 5^th and 6^th rounders. So some centers the Panthers might target are Cecil Newton (6-2, 300) from Tennessee St, John Cooper (6-2, 291) from Oklahoma or Dallas Reynolds (6-5, 328) from BYU. Reynolds has experience playing multiple positions, the key characteristic we've discussed.

===========

Updated Walter Football Mock Draft:

The latest Walter mock update seems to validate my assertion that the Panthers will wait until the late round to draft offensive linemen as their 4 round mock has the Panthers going straight defense:

2^nd round - Carolina Panthers: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

3^rd Round - Carolina Panthers: Alex Magee, DT, Purdue

4^th round - Carolina Panthers: Vance Walker, DE/DT, Georgia Tech

The 4^th round selection is a change from an earlier prediction of a WR being picked. A CB and two DT's followed up with 2 offensive linemen sounds about like what the Panthers would target. I really can't argue with it outside of wanting a kick returner. The only wildcard is the Panthers strange propensity to draft TE's every year. Any one else have some thoughts on this?

Poll

When should the Panthers draft their first offensive lineman?

2nd round

24 votes

3rd round

52 votes

4th round

53 votes

5th round

29 votes

6th round

6 votes

164 votes | Poll has closed

More Panther Pro Day Updates

Jaxon — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:56:58 -0000

I realize it's hard to draw any conclusions from which Pro Days an NFL team attends. Given the Panthers could any moment find themselves holding a first round pick via a Julius Peppers trade, they are probably leaving no stone unturned. That said I think you can see some obvious trends in the schools listed below.

Alabama Pro Day

A pair of notable players did do the workout drills and did so in front of all 32 teams, including Packers GM Ted Thompson and Panthers GM Marty Hurney.

Another Alabama prospect making a positive impression is Antoine Caldwell. The 6-3, 310 pound center stood on most of his numbers from the combine, but looked exceptional in the positional drills.

QB John Parker Wilson (6-1 ¾, 215 pounds) also kept his workout drill numbers from the combine, but showed great arm strength and touch in his positional workout (this is prefaced by the fact Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain ran the drill).

TE Nick Walker measured in at 6-4 7/8, 253 pounds. He had a 4.97 and 4.98 40, a 31-inch vertical, a 4.99 short shuttle, a 7.90 three-cone drill and 14 bench press reps.

TE Travis McCall checked in at 6-2, 276. He had a 5.13 and 5.10 in the 40, a 28-inch vertical, a 4.68 short shuttle, a 7.63 three-cone drill and 20 bench press reps.

Of course OT Andre Smith was all the talk on this day but other than Smith the headliners were the QB Wilson, a unknown safety and a couple of TE's. Could the Panthers be looking at drafting a TE for the fourth straight year? I'm thinking they are looking for a back-up C/G like Caldwell.

Western Michigan

There were 21 NFL teams represented at Tuesday's pro day. With safety Louis Delmas as the main attraction, there were defensive backfield coaches from Detroit, Jacksonville, Carolina and New Orleans. The Lions had DB coach Tim Walton and assist DB coach Deron Roberts on hand. The 15 prospects ran indoors on FieldTurf and did the vertical and long jumps in the weight room.

I can't imagine the Panthers would draft a safety now but maybe someone that is listed at S could be moved to CB? Delmas doesn't not appear to be a candidate to play CB.

Deleware

Panthers GM Marty Hurney was among the representatives from six NFL teams at Tuesday's pro day, which featured 10 prospects from Delaware, one from Delaware State and two from tiny Wesley University (including an intriguing return specialist). Players ran outdoors, with temperature in the low 40s and a light a wind.

Ronald Talley, a 6-3 ½, 282-pound DL who transferred to Delaware from Notre Dame, ran the 40 in 5.00 and 5.02, had a 32 ½-inch vertical jump, 9-foot, 4-inch long jump, 4.48 short shuttle, 7.47 three-cone drill, and 19 reps in the bench press.

Larry Beavers, a 5-10, 167-pound WR/KR from Wesley, ran the 40 in 4.37 and 4.43, had a 37-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 1-inch long jump, 4.40 short shuttle, and 7.27 three-cone drill. Beavers was a phenomenal return specialist for Wesley - he had 10 career kickoff returns for touchdowns and three punt return TDs.

Panthers looking for another return specialist?

Arkansas

Twelve prospects ran indoors on FieldTurf for 12 teams. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney and Panthers offensive line coach Dave Magazu were present.

Center Jonathan Luigs measured in at 6-foot-3 3/4, 300 pounds. He stood on his combine results, but did position drills.

OL Jose Valdez checked in at 6-4 5/8, 319 pounds. He ran a 5.16-second 40-yard dash, a 4.64-second short shuttle, a 7.49-second three-cone drill and 16 bench press reps. He stood on his jumps from the combine.

DL Ernest Mitchell came in at 6-1, 305 pounds. He ran the 40 in 5.18 and 5.16 seconds. He had a 28-inch vertical, an 8-foot, 1/2-inch broad jump, a 4.52-second short shuttle, a 7.93-second three-cone drill and 35 bench press reps.

CB Jamar Love measured in at 6-0 1/8, 191 pounds. He ran a 4.39 and a 4.35 in the 40. He had a 34 1/2-inch vertical, a 10-foot broad jump, a 4.07 short shuttle, a 6.88 three-cone drill and 10 bench presses.

With Magazu there it's obvious they are looking at offensive linemen. Luigs might be another back-up C-G possibility.

The Panthers Need a Back Up for 3rd Year Center Ryan Kalil

Just One Word for the Panthers Win: Domination

LittleKing — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:31:02 -0000

It appears Smash-and-Dash is going to stick. And for good reason, last night was just simply amazing to watch, for everyone but a Bucs fan that is. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart just dominated in the running game. But while I would give them the game ball, the offensive line deserves a large piece of the pie, or rather a whole cake of there own, for their performance.

In just their third game back as a complete starting line, the line dominated the Bucs. It brought back memories of the preseason game against the Redskins. It was also great to see Muhammad, Smith, King, and Hoover all do their part in blocking. Steve Smith during one of Stewart's long runs, screens his cornerback, then breaks off and throws a hit on the safety (see Stewarts' highlights at 1:09 at the end).

Here's what Steve Smith had to say after the game:

While the line played well, center Ryan Kalil knows there's room for improvement:

"The best part about it is even with all the success, all the stats and all the touchdowns we got tonight, there's still a lot of room for improvement,'' center Ryan Kalil said. "We came out against a really good defense and did what we did and we know there's room to keep getting better.''

Kalil continued to be humble when asked about the line being back together from injuries:

"I don't think Jeff and I by ourselves make that much of a difference,'' Kalil said. "But the rhythm and continuity of having the same guys in there is the biggest part. It was rough early on with not having a lot of stability. But these last couple of games have helped us get in a rhythm. When you get comfortable as a group, you know what the call is going to be and don't have to call it, you can play a lot faster and do what we did tonight.''

Coach Fox like the performance as well:

"I thought our blocking element and our runners were outstanding tonight," said Fox. "That was fairly obvious." "Those two backs are both very special." He added. "People remember what you do in December,'' Fox said. "This was a big stage. I like the way our guys met this challenge.''

Of course, it wouldn't be Fox if he didn't temper his excitement:

"I just don't want them to drink the Kool-Aid they're about to go into."

That's going to be important for the next three games. Sure we ran the ball well this week but that's no guarantee for next week. It seems that J-Stew has the right attitude:

"We aren't trying to send messages," Stewart said. "We are just trying to win a game."

Here's what Julius Peppers had to say about the win:

"I wouldn't necessarily call it a statement game," said defensive end Julius Peppers, who had 1-1/2 sacks and a blocked extra-point attempt. "It was just a game with a lot on the line. And we played well at the right time.

DeAngelo Williams adds:

"We've flown under the radar all year and we've had no problem with it and if we continue to fly under the radar, we still don't have a problem with it," Williams said. "I have a feeling we won't be flying under the radar anymore."

I think he's right.

-----------------

DeAngelo Williams NFL.com highlights.

Jonathan Stewart NFL.com highlights video.

Week 11 Injury Report

Sean Yuille — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:11:17 -0000

DETROIT LIONS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
QB	Dan Orlovsky	Hand	Doubtful
FB	Jerome Felton	Ankle	Probable
WR	Mike Furrey	Concussion	Doubtful
TE	John Owens	Hamstring	Questionable
TE	Casey FitzSimmons	Ribs	Probable
C	Dominic Raiola	Hand	Out
DE	Jared DeVries	Hand	Out
DE	Dewayne White	Calf	Out
DT	Shaun Cody	Ankle	Probable
DT	Chuck Darby	Calf	Probable
DT	Cory Redding	Groin	Questionable
LB	Ernie Sims	Shoulder	Questionable
CB	Keith Smith	Groin	Out
S	Dwight Smith	Foot	Out

CAROLINA PANTHERS
Pos.	Player	Injury	Status
C	Ryan Kalil	Ankle	Doubtful
DT	Darwin Walker	Neck	Questionable

NFL INJURY REPORT GUIDE
Status	Definition
Probable	75% chance that the player will play in the game
Questionable	50% chance that the player will play in the game
Doubtful	25% chance that the player will play in the game
Out	0% chance that the player will play in the game

Arizona Cardinals At Carolina Panthers: Final Injury Update

cgolden — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:10:56 -0000

The final practice of the week is over and the team is officially headed to Carolina. The injury news got slightly better today, depending on how you look at it. The best news is that Travis LaBoy and Ben Patrick practiced on a limited basis and will be listed as questionable. Boldin did practice on a limited basis and even though his status won't be determined until Saturday afternoon, he's expected to play. Aaron Francisco went through a full practice but he's still officially listed as questionable. The bad news is though that Leonard Pope has been ruled out for Sunday's game since he still couldn't practice with his bum ankle.

As for the Panthers' injuries, they've got three very big names that could miss Sunday's contest. Ryan Kalil (starting center) missed practice again and he's listed as doubtful. I'd be very surprised if he played considering that he's missed the past two games and hasn't practiced at all this week. Muhsin Muhammad also sat out of practice (team decision) and is officially listed as doubtful. Jeff Otah (starting RT) returned to practice and is officially listed as questionable. He's missed the past three games.

Arizona Cardinals At Carolina Panthers: Injury Report

cgolden — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:32:48 -0000

The injury report for the Arizona Cardinals isn't looking very good as of today. The good news is that Anquan Boldin did practice but Whiz is still taking a 'wait and see' approach to his avaliability on Sunday. Whiz said he wants to see how he handles practice on Friday but also how he handles the cross country flight to Carolina. Now for the bad news, and unfortunately there's more bad than good. Travis LaBoy didn't practice again and his status for the game is coming into question. He'll likely have to practice tomorrow to be able to go on Sunday. The status of the team's tight ends is even worse though considering that Leonard Pope is in a walking boot and Ben Patrick is still not practicing. There is still some hope that one or both will be able to practice and Whiz is still saying that at least one of them might be able to play. As of now though the only healthy tight end is Jerame Tuman who's back on the field after missing the first five weeks with an injury.

As for the Panthers injuries, the big names that still didn't practice were Jeff Otah (OT) and Ryan Kalil (C). Otah and Kahil are/were both starters who've missed the past couple of games. DJ Hackett and Thomas Davis (LB) were also limited in practice.