Thread: Panthers' Morgan out Sunday; WR Smith still iffy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan will not play in Sunday's game at Minnesota as he recovers from a concussion.

All-Pro receiver Steve Smith and center Justin Hartwig also missed practice Wednesday and were listed as questionable for the game.

Morgan, who has a history of concussions, was injured in the second quarter of Carolina's 20-6 loss to Atlanta last Sunday. Adam Seward replaced Morgan at middle linebacker against the Falcons and will probably start against the Vikings.

Smith strained his left hamstring during practice Sept. 5 and hasn't been on the field since. The team would only say that he remains day-to-day.

On Tuesday, Smith told reporters he was behind schedule in his recovery.

"Am I ahead of schedule? Oh, no, I'm behind schedule," Smith said, according to The Charlotte Observer.

Smith also said he didn't want to rush back to the field and risk a more serious injury because of it.

"People say, 'Take one for the team.' If I take one for the team, I might play two [games] and be out for four, play two more and be out for three."

Drew Carter started in place of Smith last Sunday and had five catches for 62 yards.

Hartwig, who has a groin injury, is another concern for the Panthers' offensive line. On Sunday, Carolina starting left tackle Travelle Wharton was lost for the season when he tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee.

Jordan Gross is expected to move from right tackle to left tackle and Todd Fordham would play at right tackle against the Vikings.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2586244

excellent, great news

Yeah, Smith is right...he SHOULD definitely rest for another week...better to be healthy to whip up on OTHER teams.
Besides, the Vikes are gonna win that game ANYWAY...it would be a shame if he got reinjured as well.

Either way I think we'll be satisfied cause if he somehow feels good enough to play he tweaked BOTH hamstrings, No Way hes the same Steve Smith and Dan Morgan out to hmmmm thinks are lookin gooooood

Things are looking good because even if they both start it will be their first full game together this year.
Somebody must know something I don't, because the Panthers are still the favorites to win.

Actually, I wish Smith was playing just so people don't have excuses if the Vikings beat Carolina.. It is also good that it is a home game, and we all know the fans will be pumped with the new team..

I don't care who plays, or doesn't play.. As long as the Vikings get the win is all I am worried about.. Skol Vikings.. Lets get another win against a potential playoff team..

Good stuff. I think with as agressive as the Vikes secondary has been, I'll bet Smith only sees punt returns, if anything at all.

As for Morgan, I think the Panthers' LB corps is going to have trouble keeping up with all our offensive motion...

thats great news.... i hope smith doesnt play

if he plays i think they have a good shot at winning(they as in carolina)
if he doesnT: i dont think they have a good shot of winning..

he is their team basically

"GFreeman44" wrote:

Things are looking good because even if they both start it will be their first full game together this year.
Somebody must know something I don't, because the Panthers are still the favorites to win.

thats because the panthers were a superbowl contender last year, listed as a superbowl contender this year, and they blew up our secondary last year.

of course they're listed as favorites last year, but remember, we were "superbowl contenders" at the begining of last year
;D i'll take being the underdog

"Vikes_King" wrote:

of course they're listed as favorites last year, but remember, we were "superbowl contenders" at the begining of last year
;D i'll take being the underdog

Me too. I love the added excitement of an unexpected win...