Jones handled the final five kickoffs, averaging 21.3 yards.

The Panthers may elect to keep Stewart from any more unnecessary contact this week and go with Jones on punts and kickoffs.

PLAYER NOTES

--RB DeAngelo Williams will remain Carolina's starting running back despite the struggles in the run game.

--C Ryan Kalil is hoping to get back on the field after missing last week with a sprained ankle.

--CB Richard Marshall continues to work as the team's third cornerback.

--QB Matt Moore is healthy, but he's now the team's third quarterback despite starting three games last year and winning two of them. Josh McCown is the backup.

--WR Muhsin Muhammad injured his knee on Sunday and was limited in practice on Wednesday.

GAME PLAN: Given Drew Brees' success through the air this season and Jake Delhomme's past success against the Saints, this one has all the makings of a good old-fashioned shootout. Look for Carolina to change up and throw to set up the pass. The Panthers will look to bring some pressure on Brees and dictate the tempo.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Saints defensive backs -- Smith, who has dropped two touchdown passes in as many weeks, looks to find the end zone against the Saints. He's had good luck doing that in the past with seven total touchdowns in the last six meetings. When Jake Delhomme and Smith face the Saints as a tandem the results are normally pretty good. Smith had 40 receptions for 495 yards and five touchdowns in the last five games against New Orleans when Delhomme is throwing him the ball. He also has one rush for 20 yards and a score.

Saints QB Drew Brees vs. Panthers CBs Ken Lucas and Chris Gamble: Brees is having a great season, and the Panthers secondary will be tested. The Saints have the league's top passing game, and Brees should get Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey back.

INJURY IMPACT: The Carolina Panthers are getting healthy and might just have their starting five offensive linemen back on the field this week.

Wide receiver D.J. Hackett was the only player on the 53-man roster who did not practice on Wednesday.

Five players participated on a "limited" basis -- right tackle Jeff Otah (ankle), center Ryan Kalil (ankle), linebacker Thomas Davis (ankle), wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee) and linebacker Adam Seward (thigh). Of those, Kalil is the biggest question mark.