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The Carolina Panthers received good news Friday regarding the health of backup quarterback Matt Moore.
Medical reports verified the preliminary diagnosis that Moore has a deep bruise in his shin/upper ankle area. He suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Thursday night's 19-16 exhibition loss at Pittsburgh.
Initially, there were concerns that Moore might have been seriously hurt, but X-rays and other tests showed there were no broken bones or other complications.
A team official said Moore is officially listed as “day-to-day,” which is how the Panthers describe players who aren't expected to be out for an extended period of time.
However, the team said it was too early in the healing process to say whether Moore would be available for the Sept.7 regular-season opener at San Diego.
Moore's left leg appeared to buckle underneath him when he was sacked by Steelers safety Anthony Smith.
“It's kind of painful, but it's part of the NFL,” Moore said. “I know I fell awkwardly. I didn't really feel anything until I got to the ground, and (then) I knew something was wrong.”
Moore said his leg was “throbbing pretty good” when he tried to walk on it.
Briefly
NFL teams are required to make their final preseason cuts by 6p.m. today.
Among Panthers players believed to be on the bubble is running back LaBrandon Toefield, who was signed in the offseason to provide depth in after serving as a reserve for Jacksonville the past five seasons.
But Toefield did little to distinguish himself, including gaining 18 yards on 13 carries against the Steelers.
He ran for 49 yards on 12 attempts in the first exhibition against Indianapolis, but was held to 35 yards on 21 carries in the final three exhibitions.
Don't be surprised if Carolina officials add some players cut by other teams to boost the quality of their depth.
Areas to watch include kick returner, running back, receiver, offensive tackle and defensive tackle.
