If the health situation along the Carolina Panthers' offensive line is getting better, it is getting better slowly.

Rookie tackle Jeff Otah, who has missed two games with a sprained ankle, didn't practice Thursday.

Center Ryan Kalil, who didn't play last week against Tampa Bay because of an ankle sprain, also sat out.

Otah, who felt good enough to practice last week before deciding on Saturday night not to play against the Bucs, wore a protective boot on Thursday.

“We wanted to rest both of them, they were a little sore today,” said coach John Fox. “Sometimes guys come back faster than others. It's not an exact science, that's why I don't put limits on it.”

Fox didn't think Otah's situation was a setback as the team prepares for Sunday's home game against New Orleans.

“It's precautionary,” he said. “That's why I thought it would be best (not to practice).”

Guard Keydrick Vincent is the only offensive lineman to start every game.

The starting five – Otah, Vincent, Kalil, left guard Travelle Wharton and left tackle Jordan Gross – have been together only for portions of the season opener against San Diego and the first few plays against Atlanta on Sept.28. That's about 10 percent of the Panthers' offensive plays.

Receiver D.J. Hackett (knee) also missed Thursday's practice. Linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle), receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee) and linebacker Adam Seward (thigh) – each of whom practiced on a limited basis Wednesday – practiced fully Thursday.

Home field an advantage again

It's been a while since Bank of America Stadium has served up a true home-field advantage for the Panthers. That might be changing this season.

The Panthers (4-2) are 3-0 at home in 2008 and are host to the Saints (3-3) on Sunday in an important NFC South game.

Asked about the success so far at home, players and Fox say what's expected: They're more comfortable on their own field and enjoy playing in front of friends and family.

“It's kind of fun when they're cheering for you, rather than booing,” said Fox.

Still, playing well at home has been a precursor to playoff success for the Panthers.

The Panthers' best season at home was in 1996, their second year of existence, when they went 8-0 on their way to the NFC Championship game.

In 2003, the Panthers' Super Bowl season, they were 6-2 at home.

In 2005, another NFC Championship Game season, they were 5-3 in Charlotte. That was the last time the Panthers had a winning record at home.

They were 4-4 in 2006 and 2-6 last season.

Peppers impresses Payton

Saints coach Sean Payton was asked if the way teams block Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has changed in recent seasons.

Peppers was shifted from left defensive end to the right side this season, where he lines up against left the offensive tackle, usually the opponent's top blocker.

“A lot of times offenses are right-handed (with a right-handed quarterback) and so I know I call more right formations than left formations,” Payton said. “So when I call a right formation, chances are my tight end goes right. … So you have a little bit more opportunity as an end that lines up on the right side … “I think that, by and large, a lot of teams have put their pass rushers at that position (right end).

“I think that the change right now for Julius has helped him. And I think that they're playing real good team defense, so you see his improvement and you see the improvement across the board.”

Team welcomes visitor

Only a few minutes after meeting a 17-month-old boy with a life-threatening disease Wednesday, Peppers emerged from the locker room with an autographed football and a signed pair of game gloves.

It wasn't just an ordinary football. It was the game ball Peppers was presented after being named the team's defensive player of the game following a 24-9 win against Atlanta on Sept.28.

Peppers' gift surely meant a great deal to parents Jimmy Powell and Regina Packett, who live in Cornelius.

Their son, Jackson, has been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a leading cause of death for children 2 and under.

Jackson is unable to move his legs and has to wear a chest vest. He suffers from fluid buildup in his lungs.

He was introduced to the Panthers after practice Wednesday.

Peppers and the rest of the players stood at attention in a large huddle as they were told about Jackson's story. Then they applauded him. Afterward, several players posed for photographs with Jackson.

Peppers went to the locker room and later came out to personally deliver the ball and gloves.