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D.J. Hackett's return to practice Wednesday couldn't have been more timely for the Carolina Panthers.
With Steve Smith suspended for the first two games, the Panthers were short on receivers and needed Hackett back after missing about a month because of an injured toe.
“It was kind of a breath of fresh air,” said receiver Muhsin Muhammad. “I know he's happy to get out there, run around a little bit and get some of the kinks out (since) he hadn't run routes full speed since training camp.”
Hackett didn't play in the Panthers' four exhibitions after injuring his toe in early August. He said it was a fluke injury which happened when he took off from his receiver's stance on a pass route.
“I've never had foot issues before,” he said, “but it happens.”
Hackett had four injury-interrupted seasons in Seattle. He didn't play as a rookie in 2004 because of a hip injury, missed three games in 2005 with a sprained left knee and sat out 10 games last season with an ankle injury.
However, he excelled when he played, catching 32 passes in six starts last season for 384 yards and six touchdowns.
Hackett impressed the Panthers with his play in offseason workouts and early training camp practices.
“He's got good speed,” said cornerback Ken Lucas. “He's got dependable hands. He runs good routes. He has a big body, which commands a presence out there on the field. I thought he did an exceptional job in the red zone.”
Coach John Fox wouldn't say whether Hackett would start Sunday, but said he doesn't think the lack of preseason playing time will hamper Hackett.
“He's a smart guy. He's a pro. He's been involved in the league,” said Fox. “We'd much rather (he had) been out there, but on the other hand, we've seen enough.”
Briefly
Smith, suspended because he punched Lucas in training camp, wasn't re-elected a team captain this season after filling the role last season.
Muhammad was named an offensive captain along with quarterback Jake Delhomme.
The defensive captains are right end Julius Peppers and middle linebacker Jon Beason. Kick John Kasay will captain the special teams.
Kick returner and backup receiver
Ryne Robinson said he hopes to return to practice in a few days from the knee injury he suffered in training camp.
“I feel great,” said Robinson. “Everything looks good. I've got my movement back. … I'm totally confident in it and bored of being in the training room.”
Robinson is listed as doubtful for Sunday's season opener at San Diego, and is not expected to play. The Panthers signed veteran Mark Jones to return kicks against the Chargers. He spent the preseason with San Diego.
Robinson said he thinks it's a “definite possibility” that he could be available for the Panthers' Sept.14 home opener against Chicago.
“I don't know how (team officials) feel about that right now,” he said. “It's up to them, and I'm going to leave it up to them.”
Chargers coach
Norv Turner said on a conference call Wednesday that he's going to be cautious with All-Pro linebacker
Shawne Merriman, who has decided to try to play with an injured knee this season against some doctors' wishes.
According to news reports, Merriman visited four outside physicians who recommended he have season-ending surgery and that playing would put his career in jeopardy.
“Each time he saw (a doctor), there were different degrees of their advice to him,” Turner said. “That's why he was very thorough and made sure he talked to a number of guys. But, obviously he's talked to some people who made him comfortable enough to make him think he can go and play on it.”
The Panthers decided to leave early for San Diego because of the threat of Hurricane Hanna hitting the Charlotte area late Friday. The team flight was scheduled for Friday afternoon, but now is to leave Friday morning.
Stan Olson contributed
