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All-pro left tackle Jordan Gross is thrilled that, for the first time in his pro career, the Panthers return all their starting offensive linemen from the previous season.
But there's this caveat: All the experienced depth from last season is gone.
“As it sits now, we can't really afford to have anybody get hurt,” Gross said Wednesday after the Panthers opened 21/2 weeks of summer school practice sessions. “Not saying anything bad about our backups, but it's all just so unknown. There is not an established backup now. Just as unique as it is for us to have all five starters back, it's the same with our depth being so limited.”
Two '08 backups who started some as needed, center-guard Geoff Hangartner and tackle Frank Omiyale, signed free agency contracts with Buffalo and Chicago, respectively. Guard-tackle Jeremy Bridges was released for salary cap reasons and remains available if the Panthers choose to bring him back.
Gross said he's been impressed by the offseason work of second-year tackle Geoff Schwartz, an '08 seventh-round pick who was one of running back Jonathan Stewart's blockers at Oregon.
“He kind of lifted (weights) all winter with me and ( Ryan) Kalil and ran with us,” Gross said of Schwartz. “He's come a long way. He's probably the most improved player on our offensive line. I think he's got a shot at being a good tackle for us.”
Unsigned franchise free agent Julius Peppers, a Pro Bowl defensive end, was a no-show as expected, but team officials remain hopeful that he'll sign his contract tender in time to report to training camp with the rest of the players Aug. 2. There's still no official word from Peppers or his agent, Carl Carey.
Four defensive starters who sat out a minicamp earlier this month while recovering from offseason surgery were back at practice Wednesday – linebackers Jon Beason and Na'il Diggs, defensive tackle Damione Lewis, and safety Chris Harris.
Receiver Muhsin Muhammad was excused from practice and Stewart was among a handful of players who sat out while nursing minor injuries.
The Panthers signed two more free agents – undrafted rookie safety Paul Chiara of Syracuse and cornerback Reggie Sullivan, who completed his college career at Johnson C. Smith in 2007.
