Defensive tackle Andre Neblett and safety Jordan Pugh will miss the Panthers' game Sunday at New Orleans as they continue to deal with concussion issues.

Coach Ron Rivera said Ogemdi Nwagbuo will start in Neblett's place along the defensive front while Jonathan Nelson, who had an interception last week against Tampa Bay, will back up Charles Godfrey and Sharrod Martin at safety.

Defensive end Charles Johnson may also miss the New Orleans game due to a back issue. Rivera said he plans to start Antwan Applewhite at defensive end if Johnson does not make the trip. A decision on Johnson's availability is expected this morning.

The Panthers activated former N.C. State defensive tackle DeMario Pressley off the practice squad. The Panthers have also added former J.C. Smith player Kevin Sullivan to the practice squad.

Also, wide receiver Legedu Naanee had surgery to repair the broken bone in his foot. The Panthers placed Naanee on the injured reserve list Friday in order to activate Pressley.

Sticking around? Second-string quarterback Derek Anderson knows the starting job belongs long-term to Cam Newton but that doesn't mean the veteran wants to go someplace else next season.

"I'd like to come back and continue (working with Newton and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula) because I think this team has a lot of potential. I want to be around to see it," said Anderson, who signed a one-year deal during training camp.

"As far as the offense and the guys here and overall happiness, this is a pretty good situation. I enjoy it."

Anderson played in the 2007 Pro Bowl after throwing 29 touchdown passes for the Cleveland Browns. Like Newton, who is first alternate on the NFC squad this year, Anderson was a late addition to the AFC roster.

"I had a feeling I was going to go just because (Tom) Brady never plays," Anderson said. "So I was at home working out and they called me like the day practice (started).

"Luckily, I was on the West Coast, so I just hopped on the plane that night and flew (to Hawaii). It's a different deal. It's an all-star game. You run plays you don't really practice, go run around. You're pretty much playing street ball. But it is a good time."

Praising Shockey: Saints Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham may have made Jeremy Shockey expendable in New Orleans but Graham hasn't forgotten the lessons he learned from spending a season with the Panthers' tight end last year.

They're still close, talking on the phone earlier this week.

"I couldn't have had a better mentor because of how he plays the game," Graham said. "He's the one who told me, 'Jimmy, you have to play with a chip on your shoulder. That's the only way you can survive in the National Football League and it's the only way to play the game.'

"That's how he approaches each game. He takes it serious and he puts his heart on his sleeve."