Notebook

Panthers coach John Fox liked what he saw at Saturday's Fan Fest practice at Bank of America Stadium – although it was abbreviated due to the several players who didn't participate because of injuries.

The first-team offense faced the second-team defense for 12 plays, with one drive punctuated by a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme to Jason Carter. The big play of the drive was a 26-yard pass from Delhomme to Muhsin Muhammad. John Kasay also kicked a 47-yard field goal.

“I thought Jake looked sharp,” said Fox. “And the offense looked good for it being the first time out.”

The first-team defense held down the second-team offense. Quarterback Matt Moore would have been clobbered by defensive end Julius Peppers on one play. Peppers swept in unblocked as Moore set up to pass, but held up because – thankfully for Moore – tackling the quarterback isn't allowed in practice. David Scott

Briefly

Missing practice because of injury were defensive tackles Damione Lewis (leg), Maake Kemoeatu (shoulder) and Darwin Walker (head); linebacker Adam Seward (abdominal); safety Nate Salley (hip) and receiver/returner Ryne Robinson (knee). D.S.

Linebacker Thomas Davis, who missed practice to attend a funeral, was back. Rookie running back Jonathan Stewart rested Saturday.

In the absence Robinson and Stewart, Jason Carter and Ricardo Colclough handled returns during a kickoff drill. D.S.

By the Numbers

57 Rookie linebacker Dan Connor's new number (he began training camp with 44).

14,675 Attendance on Saturday.

1,700 Tickets remaining for next Saturday's exhibition opener against Indianapolis.

Observations

In Steve Smith's absence, Muhammad and D.J. Hackett were the first-team receivers. They actually make a nice combination, though Smith is clearly the team's top offensive fireplug. Charles Chandler

Muhammad caught two first-down passes and both times gave a first-down signal. He caught a 26-yard pass from Delhomme that had the fans cheering “Mooooose!” C.C.

The new video screens in the stadium, which at 31 feet tall by 77 feet high are more than three times larger than the old ones, look great. Now the replays are crystal clear and much easier to see. D.S.

Richard Marshall was flagged for pass interference on a long pass from Moore to Carter. But Marshall came back on the next play with a crunching tackle of rookie tight end Chris Conklin of Wingate. C.C.

Quoting

“(General manager) Marty ( Hurney) and I handled that. He's the owner. He's been communicated to without a doubt.”

“I think it's up the individual, really.”

“More than anything, he has to face his family. The letdown there is for his family and the people on this team – the people who count on him.”

“That's not a good thing also, I think.”