SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Defensive end Eric Moore missed several training camp practices with a hamstring injury, but he didn't miss a beat in his Panthers debut.
Moore tied for the team lead in tackles with five, forced a fumble that was returned for Carolina's lone touchdown and recovered a fumble to set up a field goal in a 17-12 loss at the Baltimore Ravens.
"I thought it was a great effort," Moore said. "I was just trying to do my job out there, trying to play hard and make plays for the defense."
Moore has been a part of the team since last November but spent the second half of the season on the Panthers' practice squad. As his first camp at Carolina winds down, he's striving to show he belongs on the active roster.
"I always try and go out and prove myself to the best of my abilities, and then I've just got to let the chips fall where they may," Moore said. "I'm out there trying to make plays and help the defense and let the coaches make the decision in the end."
Moore has spent his entire pro career bouncing between practice squads and 53-man rosters. In each of his first four years in the league out of Florida State, he spent roughly half the season on the practice squad and half on the roster with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams.
Last season with the Rams, Moore suffered a hand injury in the final preseason game and went on injured reserve before the Rams reached an injury settlement with him, opening the door for his arrival in Carolina.
"I am thankful for the opportunity here," Moore said, "and I am going to make the best of it."
TAKING NO GAMBLE: Cornerback Chris Gamble has declared himself 100 percent healthy coming off a hyperextended knee he had rested the majority of training camp.
Now that Gamble, who has missed just three games in his six-year career, is back in the mix, he's getting back to becoming the leader that the Panthers need in the secondary.
"I feel like I've got to take over back there," he said. "Since Chris Harris has gone, I've just got to talk more.
"I'm not really a talker, but I'm going to try to lead by example."
SWAN SONG: The Panthers will wrap up training camp Wednesday at 9 a.m. with their final practice at Wofford before returning to Charlotte to complete preparations for Saturday's preseason home opener against the New York Jets.
The Panthers are scheduled to work on their regular practice fields, though more rain forced them to move Tuesday's practice to Gibbs Stadium.
