PLAYER NOTES

--WR Steve Smith returned to practice Wednesday after serving a two-game suspension.

--WR
Ryne Robinson practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. You can tell he wants to play, but it doesn't seem that he's been cleared. He keeps saying the decision is up to the training staff and the coaches. Until Robinson returns, the Panthers will go with Mark Jones on punt returns.

--LG Travelle Wharton was held out of practice on Wednesday while resting a sprained knee. He did not play against the Bears. He said he has a sprained MCL.

--SS Chris Harris now has 10 forced fumbles in 17 career starts with the Panthers.

--LB Na'il Diggs did not practice Wednesday because of shoulder and foot injuries, but he should be fine for Sunday.

--DE Tyler Brayton did not practice due to an ankle injury.

GAME PLAN: Although Steve Smith is back in the lineup, the Panthers still want to be a running football team. So expect more of the same from Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Although Stewart got the bulk of carries last week, this week it might be Williams getting the bulk of carries since he plays well on turf. But there's no way the Panthers will keep Stewart on the bench for long - not after last week's performance. If anything, having Smith in the lineup should help the running game since teams won't be so willing to stack the box.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Vikings CBs Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin -- How would you like to cover Smith after he's been stewing at home for the past two weeks? Smith always seems to play well against the Vikings. In his last game against Minnesota he had 11 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown.

Panthers DE Julius Peppers vs. Vikings LT Artis Hicks: Hicks is filling in for the suspended Bryant McKinnie, which means he should have the edge here. Of course, Peppers has gone against two backups the last two weeks and still doesn't have a sack. That doesn't mean he hasn't played well. He's been in the backfield making plays and otherwise disrupting things.

INJURY IMPACT: Five Panthers did not practice on Wednesday: guard Travelle Wharton (knee), defensive end Tyler Brayton (ankle), linebacker Na'il Diggs (shoulder), cornerback Chris Gamble (arm), and quarterback Matt Moore (knee). Wharton and Moore are the two who might not play. Two others were limited: cornerback Richard Marshall (leg) and receiver Ryne Robinson. Robinson will be questionable this week.