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), Hilee Taylor (knee), and C.J. Wilson (head).
On if running back Jonathan Stewart will play against the Tennessee Titans: Those are decisions we'll make as we move forward.
On if tackle Kirk Barton has joined the team: I don't believe he's coming; I think he's retired from football. So right now we're one short.
On if the Panthers will replace Barton on the roster before Saturday: That's more of a personnel, Marty (Hurney) question. I'm sure they're scouring the talent pool.
On using running back Mike Goodson to return kickoffs: He's obviously got some big-play capabilities. He had a couple of faux pas there as far as decision making (versus the New York Jets). But when you have young players, that's what you work through. With each new experience he'll get better, just like he has at running back.
On if it is important for the offense to build some confidence against Tennessee: As we go along we'll be a little bit more like our personality. There are things we're working, people we're trying to evaluate. You like to always be successful, but right now at this point the reason you have the preseason games is to pick the right 53 guys and have an opportunity to evaluate them. That's why your starters don't play the whole game, because you're trying to evaluate people.
On how linebacker Jamar Williams has looked since returning from injury: Good. He's been gone for awhile, but we're trying to get him back up to speed. Hopefully, he'll take advantage of those opportunities. He showed us that he was capable early on. It's nobody's fault, but he's been nicked and not been able to practice or play and we've got two games left.
On if Williams will get a chance to play with the first-team defense against the Titans: There's a possibility. He'll definitely get some playing time Saturday night.
On when he will name the starters at the positions where there is competition: Probably game week of the New York Giants.
On there being so many jobs up for grabs this year: I don't think it's a negative. I think we've got a lot of good options. I think it's a positive. I'm not concerned that much. Getting everybody out there better right now is the main objective.
