Panthers will make no effort to retain DE Peppers

As the Pro Bowl defensive end himself has expected, the Carolina Panthers will make no effort to retain Julius Peppers, who is to be a free agent next month. It has been reported that a confirming statement will be made on Tuesday.

As it has already been expected, the Panthers will not designate Peppers as its franchise player for a second consecutive season, letting the Thursday deadline to designate franchise and transition players pass by. Panthers’ general manager is expected to speak with reporters on Tuesday about the franchise’s decision on Peppers.

It will be anyway good news to Peppers, who has been asking for leave since last offseason. As the Panthers allow him to be free, he could feel free now to choose which team to join for next season. A popular speculation is that he will put on the New England Patriots jersey as the Patriots tried to trade for him last season and begin the pursue again this offseason.

Delhomme may finally be sidelined with broken finger

For those who have been hoping for a new starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, they may be satisfied to know that Jake Delhomme may finally have to give up his starting job, after throwing a career-high 18 interceptions in 11 games.

During Wednesday’s practice, the Panthers worked out in indoor facility because of heavy rain, and Delhomme was not among them. The quarterback practicing with the first team was Matt Moore, and Delhomme, although still wearing his Panthers jersey, only needed to take care of his throwing hand, which was wrapped with index and middle fingers being taped together.

Despite playing the worst season of his career, Delhomme managed to keep his starting job as Coach John Fox insisted. Although the quarterback tried to hide his hand and would not rule himself out Sunday, all signs showed that Moore will start for the first time since 2007.

Panthers RB Stewart in need of rest after season opener

After Sunday’s season opener, the Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart skipped practice Wednesday, and coach John Fox said the second-year back needed to take the day off for his tendon soreness.

Stewart had only taken part in eight practices all year before the start of the regular season and was held out of contact in two of those. But last week he practiced all three days, the Panthers used him as much as starter DeAngelo Williams in last week’s game. Stewart had nine carries at halftime and finished with 35 yards on 11 attempts.

Not only Stewart himself, but also the team feels it necessary to take a good care of Stewart’s Achilles tendon, because the team needs him well to have a better running game and take the pressure off other parts of the offense.