HEALTH WATCH
- TE Greg Olsen, who suffered back spasms on Sunday, missed his third straight practice. When asked about his Pro Bowl TE, coach Ron Rivera said "there's nothing to be concerned about."
- CB Teddy Williams tweaked his groin while sprinting to intercept an overthrown ball from QB Joe Webb to WR Keyarris Garrett.
- WR Brenton Bersin went through individual drills for the first time since he took a hard shot to the ribs against the Ravens. He worked on the side during team drills.
- DT Kyle Love remains in the concussion protocol after he took a hard hit in Monday's practice.
- TE Ed Dickson (groin), S Dean Marlowe (hamstring), OL Chris Scott (shoulder), LB Ben Jacobs (ankle), DE Larry Webster (hamstring) and DE Rakim Cox (back) remained out.
- FB Devon Johnson was waived/injured to make room for new OT Willie Smith. Johnson, a UDFA out of Marshall, never practiced at training camp after an old back injury flared up.
TOP PLAY
After a dominating training camp, WR Devin Funchess continued his playmaking ways during the Panthers' return to Charlotte.
With time ticking down in a 2-minute drill between the first-team offense and defense, QB Cam Newton tossed a jump ball from the 13-yard line. Funchess went up high to grab it in the corner of the end zone over CB Daryl Worley, who was left pounding the turf in frustration.
"That's just a perfect throw and catch," the rookie said. "He had a break right down the goal line, and that's our job — to guard the goal line. So breaking downhill, I've got to know where I'm at, and I still feel I should've made a better play on that ball."
PLAYER NOTES
- WR Damiere Byrd wrapped up the second team's 2-minute drill by scoring on a slant from QB Derek Anderson.
- DT Vernon Butler knocked down an Anderson pass at the line at the start of the second team's 2-minute drill.
- CB Zack Sanchez had a nice pass breakup against Garrett in 1-on-1s.
- CB Robert McClain batted away an Anderson pass in the end zone that was intended for WR Miles Shuler.
- CB Lou Young dropped an interception during 7-on-7s but bounced back by batting away an Anderson pass to Funchess in the second team's 2-minute drill.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
Even though they're no longer sleeping in the Wofford dorms, the Panthers are still technically in training camp.
"The biggest thing is that we're home, that the guys get to go home and rest in their own beds and be around their families," Rivera said. "But while what we do in the evenings is tapered, what we do during the day is still training camp."
The Panthers still haven't decided if P Mike Scifres will kick against the Titans. Scifres, who's been experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired non-kicking leg, dressed but didn't play in the preseason opener at Baltimore. Rivera said the final decision on Scifres will come Saturday, but they're not rushing the 14-year veteran.
"Knowing that he's been through it, knowing he's been in these types of situations, there's a comfort level we have with that," Rivera said.