Comments from Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera.
On the status of cornerback Chris Gamble: Chris Gamble (head) didn't practice again today, so there is a little bit of concern about that. He's doubtful.
On if Darius Butler is likely to start at cornerback if Gamble cannot play: Yes, Darius Butler is very likely going to be the guy that plays for us.
On how Butler has played so far: He's played well, he really has. I was really pleased with the opportunity he had (against the Jacksonville Jaguars). It's not like you're bringing in a guy that's a first- or second-year player that hasn't played a lot. You're talking about a guy that's played a lot of football for a very good organization (New England Patriots) that's got some pretty good concepts as well. So for him to come in and be part of what we do, I feel very comfortable with that.
On Butler's strengths: His man (cover) skills. He's a physical guy that runs well, that has good closing speed. When he does get in the zone (coverage), he plays with pretty good vision, because they (Patriots) did play the Cover 2 system as well that we play. So I feel comfortable with him in that situation, because he's got good hands and he's got a good break on the ball.
On tackle Jeff Otah: He's still going through practice and stuff like that. Today, he was limited. We cut back on his reps. He's probable.
On if taking Otah out in the second quarter versus the Jacksonville Jaguars was injury-related: No, that was conditioning.
On if he will continue to limit Otah's reps: Probably. The biggest thing was when we played the first game he went from 10 reps to 50, and that was rough. So we decided to continue to take reps away from him until he builds it (conditioning) up and we're fairly comfortable about him playing 50 or 60 plays.
On how many phone calls he has gotten from friends in Chicago this week: I've gotten a whole bunch. Unfortunately, I can't see everybody and, unfortunately, I can't get tickets for everybody.
