Gary Barnidge News Archives

Gary Barnidge hasn't actually emerged from nowhere to become the Carolina Panthers' starting tight end.

It's been more than a decade since Dante Wesley played safety, but the Carolina Panthers veteran said he was prepared for the change.

Honestly, J Leman doesn't look like much. The long hair is about the only noticeable characteristic, because it isn't the skinny legs, the generally lanky frame or the too-slow gait.

They've only played one game, but the tweaks are already starting. With every passing day, fireplug rookie DT Marlon Favorite gets a few more reps with the starters, and overmatched Nick Hayden gets a few less.

JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2009/08/12/18/772-panthers0813_24.embedded.prod_affiliate.138.JPG 206 Gary Barnidge gets hit by Andrew Davie , Jeff King , and Dante Rosario after making a catch during afternoon practice session in Panthers training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg.

Cantwell played college football at Louisville. JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2009/08/17/23/955-PANTHERS_GIANTS_25.embedded.prod_affiliate.138.JPG 269 8/17/09 Carolina Panthers Hunter Cantwell walks off the field after fumbling the football resulting in the New York Giants recovery and scoring ...

SPARTANBURG, S.C. Ever since his arrival in Carolina last year, Gary Barnidge has been labeled as the tight end that can potentially stretch the field.

Want the good news or the bad news first, Carolina fans? Of course, the bad news first: The Panthers starters looked more than a little lethargic coming out of the gates Monday night in a 24-17 loss to the New York Giants in the preseason opener at Giants Stadium.

If rookie Mike Goodson provided the Carolina Panthers with its offensive punch in their 24-17 preseason exhibition loss against the New York Giants on Monday, then James Anderson took care of the defense and special teams.

CAROLINA PANTHERS The Panthers were one of those teams you could see was going to bounce back last season.

TODAY'S PRACTICES: 9:10 a.m., 6:40 p.m. WEATHER: Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s.

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason , who hurt his hamstring Aug. 3 on the first day of training camp, returned to practice for the first time Monday evening.

WEATHER: Partly cloudy, highs in the lower 90s. WHERE: Bank of America Stadium. ADMISSION: Free and open to public.

If a team can get three starters or productive players out of a draft, it's usually a good haul.

WEATHER: Partly cloudy, highs in the lower 90s. WHERE: Bank of America Stadium. ADMISSION: Free and open to public.

HOT TOPIC: There weren't expected to many battles for starting jobs at this year's training camp, but one has suddenly emerged at an unexpected position.

Julius Peppers arrived at training camp Sunday with his trusty backpack, avoided reporters and received lavish praise from his Carolina teammates.