Comments from Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox following the team's practice.
On injuries: Did not practice - Tyler Brayton (ankle), Thomas Davis (PUP - knee), Aaron Francisco (hamstring), Jeff Otah (PUP - knee), and C.J. Wilson (head). Hilee Taylor had a scope on his knee; he's day-to-day.
On the importance of the third preseason game for the starters: It's the most extended time that the veterans play. Obviously, it's your third time out, and we're looking for improvement in all phases. We're still looking at players, though. But our starters will play more extended time, so it's the most they'll play in the preseason before the opener.
On if he will get a better look at the players on the bubble in the final preseason game: You get a look at them all the time. We're trying to pick the right 53 guys for our 2010 season, and this is the best time to do that. Of course, we look at them in practice every day. But we like to see how they operate under game conditions because it's different. So we're still evaluating everybody.
On if the Panthers struggles on offense and special teams during the preseason have been overblown: Like I've mentioned many times, it is what it is. But we are looking at players. We are trying to get better and improve our weaknesses. So with that we're not maybe using our strengths to our best ability. So I don't get too panicked over that. I just know that we've got a lot of work to do in all areas. That's what preseason is for - to get better, understand the game better and evaluate players.
