Share
Carolina Panthers receiver D.J. Hackett, who missed the last two games with a knee injury, returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday. Coach John Fox said he will be a day-to-day decision for Sunday's home game against Arizona.
Hackett, who has been the team's No.3 receiver when healthy (he missed most of training camp with a toe injury), has 10 catches for 131 yards this season.
Center Ryan Kalil and tackle Jeff Otah, who both have injured ankles, didn't practice.
Receiver Muhsin Muhammad didn't practice because of a “team decision,” which often means a veteran like Muhammad gets a day off to rest.
Briefly
The Panthers are 4-0 at home this season and are at home Sunday against Arizona.
“We're playing better football and we're a better-rounded team,” quarterback Jake Delhomme said of this season's home-field advantage. “As an offense, when you're on the road and it's loud and you're trying to make calls (it's difficult),” he said. “That's how it is here and it's helping our defense.”
Then there's the real reason for wanting to shine at home.
“You've got your family in town and friends and you don't want to talk to them after a loss,” Delhomme said. “After a loss – besides my little girls, and I put on a show for them – you've just wasted a whole week's work.”
Arizona (4-2), the NFC West leader, is 1-2 on the road.
“I don't know what we need to do, but we need to become more consistent,” said Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner.
Running back DeAngelo Williams had a Panthers-record 75-yard run last season against the Cardinals, but didn't score when he was pulled down by safety Adrian Wilson, a former N.C. State player. Wednesday, Williams was listing the players he felt were most gifted on the Arizona defense, but Wilson's name slipped his mind.
“Their front four is really talented, backed up by their linebackers,” Williams said. “( Karlos) Dansby, ( Chike) Okeafor. They've got ( Antrel) Rolle, and , uh, uh, the guy, what's his name, the guy that caught me last year…”
“Wilson,” a reporter interjected.
Williams recoiled in mock horror, not believing somebody would so readily remember who flagged him from behind.
“Dang, give me a break guys!” he said. “I set you up for that. You're brutal.”
About 400 tickets remain for Sunday's game, according to Panthers ticket manager Phil Youtsey.
They're available at the Bank of America ticket office or through Ticketmaster.
