BillyCarpenter1

Sunday October 05, 2003

Brian Allee-Walsh
LINEUP CHANGES

It appears Saints coach Jim Haslett is going to shake up his starting lineup today against the Carolina Panthers, so get out your program.


-- At linebacker, Orlando Ruff will start for the first time in the middle. Starting middle linebacker Darrin Smith will move outside to replace strongside linebacker Roger Knight. Weakside linebacker Derrick Rodgers is unchanged.

-- In the secondary, veteran Victor Green will replace injured free safety Tebucky Jones. Dale Carter is expected to start at left cornerback after missing the past two games while recovering from surgery on his left orbital eye socket. His helmet will include a protective clear plastic shield. Fred Thomas will start at right corner, and former starting cornerback Ashley Ambrose will play in nickel and dime situations.

-- Along the defensive front, rookie defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan is expected to return to the lineup after missing the past two games with a knee injury. Willie Whitehead will remain at right defensive end if Sullivan starts. If Sullivan does not start, Whitehead will move inside and rookie defensive end Melvin Williams will start for the first time.



-- On offense, left tackle Wayne Gandy (hamstring) is expected to be actived, but his playing status won't be determined until game time. Spencer Folau would start if Gandy can't go.



-- Wide receiver Dontè Stallworth is expected to return kickoffs and punts in the absence of injured return specialist Michael Lewis.