http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/football/nfl/carolina_panthers/13513202.htm
Posted on Fri, Dec. 30, 2005
2 rookie linemen could start Sunday
Mitchell and Reyes listed as questionable
PAT YASINSKAS
pyasinskas@charlotteobserver.com
The Carolina Panthers were without two starting offensive linemen Thursday as they practiced for their biggest game of the season.
Center Jeff Mitchell (hip) was downgraded from probable to questionable and guard Tutan Reyes (toe) remained questionable.
Neither practiced.
That could create a scenario in which the Panthers could end up starting two rookies in Sunday's game at Atlanta.
"That's why you have starters and that's why you have backups," coach John Fox said.
If Mitchell and/or Reyes can't play, the Panthers don't have many options. Rookie Evan Mathis, who has been inactive the past six weeks and limited to special teams play earlier in the season, is listed as the top backup at both guard positions. Fellow rookie Geoff Hangartner got some playing time at right guard last week when Reyes went out.
But Hangartner also is the top backup at center. Fox said he hasn't given up hope that Reyes and Mitchell can play, but said he has confidence in the two rookies.
Injuries pile up
Offensive line isn't the only area where the Panthers could be a little thin because of injuries.DeShaun Foster (toe) missed his second straight day of practice. Top backup Nick Goings (ankle) also was added to the injury report and missed practice. Both running backs are questionable. Return man Jamal Robertson is next on the depth chart.
Defending Smith
New Orleans receiver Joe Horn defended (sort of) Carolina receiver Steve Smith on Sporting News Radio on Thursday. When asked about Smith's $15,000 fine for touching an official in Sunday's loss to Dallas, Horn ripped the NFL.
"This is a money-driven business," Horn said. "The players make all the millions, and if we do anything that's outside of the rules or even bending the rules, they're going to take money from us. That's just the way it is, and they give it to different organizations or wherever our money goes. That's how it is.
"If your socks are down when they're supposed to be up; if your socks are up when they're supposed to be down, you'll get a $10,000 fine or you'll get a $5,000 fine. Simple as that. That's just the rules. It's a money-driven business, and if they find a way to take money, that's what they're going to do."
Hanging on
Although he's tied for third in the league with six lost fumbles, quarterback Jake Delhomme said that's not a huge concern.
"I think we've had three, four or five of them where I was hit in the act of throwing the ball," Delhomme said. "When I look at those, that's just a guy making a play on the ball. Certainly, you want to protect it, but if they hit my arm in the act of throwing and it comes out, I don't lose sleep over that at all."
