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Rookie cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said Wednesday he expects to be the Carolina Panthers' punt returner in Sunday's season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Munnerlyn said he was told before practice he'll fill the role and he had about 10 repetitions catching punts.
The Panthers wanted to sign free agent Mark Jones, who returned punts and kicks, but he failed a physical exam during the weekend. Jones likely will be signed after his hamstring injury recovers.
Kenneth Moore, Munnerlyn's competition for the punt-return spot, said he hadn't heard who the job would go to.
Briefly
Defensive end Julius Peppers' stated desire to leave the Panthers during last offseason didn't prevent players from electing him as one of five team captains for the season.
Peppers and linebacker Jon Beason were voted captains of the defense, with quarterback Jake Delhomme and left tackle Jordan Gross on offense, and kicker John Kasay on special teams. C.C.
It looks like Jeff King has won back the starting tight end spot he briefly lost in training camp. King, the starter since 2007, is one of three tight ends on the roster, along with Gary Barnidge and Dante Rosario.
“We all compete and we all want to be on the field,” said King. “But someone else controls that.”
Barnidge, who is more of a downfield receiving threat than King, rose to No.1 on the depth chart for a few weeks. King is a more reliable blocker. David Scott
Linebacker Thomas Davis is confident the defense will play well against the Eagles – despite the fact that injuries tore through the defense during the preseason.
“We know that we're capable of playing good defense, we know what we've got,” said Davis. “We feel good about it and we'll go out there and put it together.” D.S.
Godfrey, who broke his left hand in an exhibition against Miami, said he didn't know if he will wear a protective pad against the Eagles. He had surgery on the hand to help quicken the healing process. D.S.
There were two number changes on the roster: Linebacker Dan Connor was switched from 57 to 55 and defensive end Hilee Taylor from 66 to 97. C.C.
The Panthers completed their practice squad by adding receiver Charly Martin, an undrafted rookie from West Texas A&M. He caught two passes for 21 yards in the preseason for the San Diego Chargers. D.S.
