BillyCarpenter1

Panthers have finally been bitten by NFL injury bug


By Joe Menzer
JOURNAL REPORTER



CHARLOTTE

This time, the cast is on the other foot. Or at least the ice pack is on the other guy's head, or hamstring or groin.

However badly one wants to manipulate the cliche, the Carolina Panthers are hurting. The last time the Panthers faced the New Orleans Saints - on Oct. 5 at Ericsson Stadium - the opposite was true.

Not only that, but the last time the teams played, the Panthers won 19-13 for their fourth consecutive victory. This time it's the 3-4 Saints who will be trying to extend a winning streak, having won twice since losing to the Panthers.

The Panthers lost for the first time this season last Sunday, falling 37-17 to the Tennessee Titans. In the process, they suffered a number of injuries - some of which didn't surface publicly until after yesterday's practice.

Coach John Fox of the Panthers said that the injuries could pose a problem, but that his team simply will have to cope.

"This is probably the most banged up we've been all season," Fox said. "But it comes with the territory. We have different guys slotted in. Guys who are on our football team will have to step up."
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