The Panthers gave potential playoff opponents something else to prepare for in the postseason when they lined up Steve Smith as a punt returner on Sunday during the second half against New Orleans.
Smith, a former Pro Bowl returner before emerging into a star receiver, returned just one punt. It's the only punt he's returned all season.
"I think he's a guy that's been pretty adequate at that position," Fox said. "As we get into (the playoffs), that may or may not be something we look at. We didn't want the playoffs to be the first time he did it. He's practiced it in practice, but there's nothing like being out there in a game, and we wanted to get a look at that in a game situation."
PLAYER NOTES
--DT Maake Kemoeatu did not play Sunday because of an ankle injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two more weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.
--DT Damione Lewis did not play Sunday due to a shoulder injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two more weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.
--OG Geoff Hangartner left Sunday's game early with an ankle injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two more weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.
--RT Jeff Otah left Sunday's game with a toe injury. The Panthers are hoping that with two more weeks off he will be able to play in the divisional playoffs.
--WR D.J. Hackett got the nod as the team's No. 3 receiver and responded with two catches for 31 yards. The Panthers continue to flip-flop between Hackett and Dwayne Jarrett as their No. 3 receiver.
--WR Dwayne Jarrett was inactive on Sunday.
--DE Julius Peppers added another sack on Sunday to finish with a career-high 141/2.
INJURY IMPACT: Carolina played without starting defensive tackles Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis this past week. Darwin Walker and Nick Hayden started in their place.
Also, offensive linemen Jeff Otah, the team's big mauler at right tackle, and Geoff Hangartner left early. None of the injuries are considered season-ending and the Panthers hope to get everyone back for their divisional playoff game a week from Saturday.
"We need it as much as anybody -- We're banged up and we've got a lot of healing to do between now and two weeks from now but we'll take it," said Jordan Gross, who had to move from left tackle to right to account for Otah's absence. Frank Omiyale, who started one game earlier this season, took over at Gross' spot at left tackle.
