Jordan Gross expects to be back at left tackle for the Carolina Panthers for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.
Gross, who suffered a concussion in the first quarter against Atlanta on Sept.28, returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday and declared himself ready to play.
“I think I'm physically capable and I feel fine,” he said. “Obviously, I haven't been given the go-ahead by (Coach John) Fox yet. It's his decision.
“I passed all my (medical) tests. I've jumped through all the hoops, so everything is on track.”
That would be excellent news for the Panthers (4-1), who will try to expand their lead in the NFC South against second-place Tampa Bay (3-2).
Carolina might also have rookie right tackle Jeff Otah (sprained ankle) back in the lineup, too. He joined Gross on the sidelines during last week's 34-0 win against Kansas City.
Otah also practiced on a limited basis Thursday. Both missed practice Wednesday.
Center Ryan Kalil's status for the game is more questionable. He missed practice for the second consecutive day with a sprained ankle suffered against the Chiefs.
Gross said his symptoms disappeared last Sunday and that he returned to some activity by lifting weights and running on Monday. But he said he wouldn't have been able to play against Kansas City.
“You can't mess with your brain,” he said. “It was the right thing to do.”
The game against the Chiefs was the first Gross, in his sixth season, has missed with Carolina. It ended his streak of playing in 84 consecutive regular -season games. That was seven shy of the team record set by former safety Mike Minter.
Gross said he would have liked to have broken Minter's record.
“The streak was something I was happy with,” he said.
“There's not many records (offensive) linemen can get, but I'll have to just stick around more years and do it again.”
First, Gross will have to sign a contract extension. The Panthers put the franchise tag on him to keep him out off the unrestricted free agency market. He's playing with a one-year tender and he and the team haven't been able to reach a contract agreement.
Panthers' line
shows off depth
Gross said he's impressed by the depth on the offensive line.
Backups Frank Omiyale, Geoff Hangartner and Jeremy Bridges have filled in admirably. Carolina hasn't made it through a half of a game yet this season with its starting five intact on the offensive line.
“It's a great feeling we have right now with depth,” said Gross. “You guys have seen our (offensive) lines. We've had some good groups, but we've never had this many quality guys. Hangartner, JB (Bridges) and Frank are three guys who could be starting on other teams.
“I do think (the starters) are our best five, but I don't think it's very far behind for the other three I mentioned. If we can get everybody out there working together, the best is yet to come.”
Bucs' QB? Signs point to Garcia
Reports out of Tampa indicate that Jeff Garcia will start at quarterback, replacing Brian Griese, who's battling an injury to his right (throwing) elbow.
Griese missed practice Thursday for the second straight day.
Panthers safety Charles Godfrey said Garcia's mobility will be a challenge for the Panthers.
“That's always dangerous when a quarterback can run and throw the ball as well,” said Godfrey. “Griese is more of a pocket passer.”
Briefly
Receiver Muhsin Muhammad explained how, at 35, he was able to run away from several Chiefs on his 47-yard touchdown catch Sunday.
“I had a rocket pack in my shoulder pads and I just kind of let it out a little bit there,” he said.
“There's a problem with being fast, because once you run fast, everybody expects you to run fast all the time. That's why I tell everybody I'm slow.”
Sunday's game is a homecoming of sorts for Panthers punt returner/receiver Mark Jones. He played the past three seasons with the Bucs. His season ended after six games last year because of a torn patellar tendon.
The only players who didn't practice Thursday were receiver D.J. Hackett and Kalil.
Linebacker Na'il Diggs returned to full participation after being limited Wednesday.
In addition to Gross and Otah, safety Quinton Teal and defensive tackle Darwin Walker also were limited in their practice activity.
Around the league
CLEVELAND: The Browns sent tight end Kellen Winslow for tests after he missed his second straight day of practice with an unspecified illness. Coach Romeo Crennel said Winslow, plagued by injuries during his career, has been sick for two days. Crennel was unsure if Winslow would play Monday against the Giants.
DALLAS: Troubled cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones won't be disciplined by the team for a scuffle with his bodyguard that owner Jerry Jones said resulted from joking banter that got out of hand and was quickly settled.
“They were literally kidding each other,” Jerry Jones said. “and all of a sudden one of them starting saying some things, and here you go.”
Dallas police were called to an upscale downtown hotel because of the disturbance late Tuesday. No charges were filed. An NFL spokesman said the league is investigating.
WASHINGTON: Defensive end Jason Taylor practiced for the first time since the emergency surgery on his left calf. He did not take part in all of the drills, and it's unclear if he'll play Sunday against St. Louis.
@Nyx.CommentBody@