--Coach John Fox admitted Sunday the Panthers are considering using first-round draft pick Jonathan Stewart on kickoff returns, possibly as soon as Saturday night against Washington.
"It's an option," Fox said.
--CB Chris Gamble (hamstring) returned to practice Sunday on a limited basis.
--CB Ken Lucas is finally back at practice after having his nose reset following the punch from teammate Steve Smith.
--WR Steve Smith returned to the field over the weekend after missing a week with a concussion.
--WR Muhsin Muhammad will miss some time this week while recovering from a blow to the ribs in Thursday night's game against the Eagles.
--TE Dante Rosario returned to practice on a limited basis Sunday after missing about two weeks with a hamstring injury.
BATTLE OF THE WEEK: DeAngelo Williams vs. Jonathan Stewart for starting running back. Williams didn't find as many holes against the Eagles and gained 32 yards on eight carries. Stewart carried four times for 3 yards. Advantage still goes to Williams, who looks to open the season as the starter.
OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Keydrick Vincent vs. Toniu Fonoti for starting RG. This battle is basically over. The Panthers have now settled on Vincent as their starting right guard after Fonoti opened training camp working with the first team. However, that lasted only about two days.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: CB Richard Marshall sniffed out a fake field goal against the Eagles and intercepted a shovel pass and raced 78 yards for Carolina's only touchdown in a 24-13 loss to the Eagles.
ROOKIE REPORT: RB Jonathan Stewart ran for 3 yards on four carries vs. the Eagles ... RT Jeff Otah is improving ... FS Charles Godfrey, a third-round pick, appears to have locked down the starting job, although veteran Terrence Holt is playing very well, too ... Carolina's other third-round draft pick, LB Dan Connor, is back to the third team with Jon Beason and Adam Seward healthy again ... Fifth-round TE Gary Barnidge has been out for awhile with a glute injury ... The Panthers are still hoping to use defensive end Hilee Taylor in passing situations.
INJURY REPORT: WR Ryne Robinson (knee) and DT Ian Scott remain week-to-week for the Panthers. Other injuries are of the day-to-day variety.
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