Charles Johnson News

Carolina Panthers starting strongside linebacker Na'il Diggs has returned to practice and is questionable for Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

MIKE CRANSTON AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE -- Sitting at 4-6, decimated by injuries and facing a brutal closing schedule, Carolina's playoff prospects look bleak.

LB Na'il Diggs, who hurt his ribs in last week's loss to the Dolphins, didn't practice today.

Who: Miami at Carolina Time: 8, NFL Network. Line: Panthers by 3. Records: Dolphins 4-5 , Panthers 4-5 . Comments: Dolphins will be without their Wildcat triggerman, tailback Ronnie Brown, who was put on injured reserve yesterday with a foot ailment .

The odds already were long and get longer by the day. But Panthers coach John Fox said he is still sending a positive message to his players after Thursday's 24-17 loss to Miami.

Defensive end Charles Johnson missed another day of practice with a pectoral injury Wednesday and has been listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Dolphins.

The Panthers have activated wide receiver Charly Martin in his first game since being signed from the practice squad to fill Jordan Gross' roster spot earlier this week.

Both Panther running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are active against Miami despite nagging injuries.

GAME: Miami at Carolina SITE: Bank of America Stadium CAPACITY: 73,778 KICKOFF: Tonight, 8:20 TV: NFL Network .

Instead of the Miami Dolphins, injured Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis said Wednesday he's preparing for knee surgery, and his future.

Carolina Panthers running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are questionable for Thursday's game against Miami with lingering injuries.

The Panthers might not have as much of a Wildcat problem, but they still have a run defense problem heading into Thursday's game with Miami.

The Carolina Panthers used a no-huddle offense to jumpstart their offense Sunday, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll be using it again Thursday against the Miami Dolphins.

Carolina Panthers' Jordan Gross grimaces as he rolls over after being injured in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium.

A new name has been added to the Carolina Panthers' injury list. The Panthers had the day off, but if they had practiced, defensive end Charles Johnson would have sat it out with a pectoral injury, according to a projected injury report the team was required to submit because they play Miami on Thursday night.

CHARLOTTE - A true feel for the fleeting nature of momentum in the National Football League could be found in the postgame locker rooms of the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon at Bank of America Stadium.

Two months ago, the Carolina Panthers' defensive line was approaching being a weakness.

Friday's Carolina Panthers links from around the Internet: Landon Johnson ready to step in for Davis / Charlotte Observer Rain forces Panthers into inadequate facility / Charlotte Observer Friday Forecast: Ron Green Jr.'s NFL picks / Charlotte Observer Loss of Davis will change Panthers' scheme / Rock Hill Herald Charles Johnson key to DL ...

CHARLOTTE Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks talked earlier this season about the need to develop a swagger on defense and to start forcing turnovers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Johnson scrambles to pick up his third-quarter fumble as Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis moves in during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct.