Preview
The Carolina Panthers (8-2) play four of their final six games on the road, beginning with a pivotal NFC South matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (6-4) at the Georgia Dome on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. ET. Carolina enters the game with a tenuous one-game lead in the division over Tampa Bay with Atlanta lurking just two games behind.
"You never know what to expect, but we do know that all NFC South games are tough, physical games, and there is no reason to think this will be any different," said head coach John Fox.
A determining factor in the outcome could be which team's rushing attack has the best day. The Falcons rank second in the NFL in rushing with an average of 153.4 yards per game. The Panthers, meanwhile, have improved from 19th to sixth in rushing since Week 6. Two of the league's top running back tandems will be on display. Atlanta's Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood have combined to rush for 1,354 yards. Carolina's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have totaled 1,295 yards between them.
The game will also feature two of the league's best pass rushers. Falcons defensive end John Abraham is tied for first in the NFC and tied for third in the NFL with 11 sacks, while Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers ranks third in the NFC and sixth in the NFL with nine sacks. Both players have a history of success in the rivalry. Abraham has four sacks against Carolina since joining Atlanta in 2006, and Peppers has notched six career sacks and scored a touchdown against the Falcons.
"We know we are going to have to play well in every phase against a very good football team," Fox said.
On The Air
Carolina will appear on the FOX Television Network with the broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Thom Brennaman and game analyst Brian Billick with Buck Lanford serving as the field reporter.
The game will also be broadcast nationally on the Westwood One Radio Network with the announcing team of play-by-play announcer Bill Rosinski and game analyst Dan Reeves.
The Panthers can be heard throughout the Carolinas on flagship station WBT and on the Panthers Radio Network. Mick Mixon provides the play-by-play with game analysis from former 16-year NFL veteran safety Eugene Robinson. WBT Sports Director Jim Szoke serves as the color commentator and Greg Brannon contributes as the sideline reporter.
Wear Your Panthers Pride
Panthers Jersey Color: White
Carolinas Medical Center Injury Report
| Carolina Panthers |
| Pos | Player | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri |
| T | Jeremy Bridges | Heart | DNP | FP | |
| LB | Thomas Davis | Ankle | DNP | FP | |
| C | Ryan Kalil | Ankle | LP | FP | |
| DT | Darwin Walker | Neck | FP | FP | |
| Atlanta Falcons |
| Pos | Player | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri |
| DE | John Abraham | Neck | LP | LP | |
| T | Sam Baker | Hip/Back | DNP | DNP | |
| K | Jason Elam | Left Hip | LP | LP | |
| WR | Brian Finneran | Hamstring | LP | LP | |
| CB | Brent Grimes | Knee/Ankle | FP | FP | |
| TE | Ben Hartsock | Back | FP | FP | |
| CB | Chris Houston | Rib | FP | FP | |
| DT | Grady Jackson | Knee | DNP | LP | |
| DT | Kindal Moorehead | Foot | DNP | DNP | |
| RB | Jerious Norwood | Rib | FP | FP | |
| WR | Laurent Robinson | Hamstring | DNP | DNP | |
| T | Todd Weiner | Knee | DNP | LP | |
| WR | Roddy White | Back | DNP | DNP | |
Key
DNP - Did Not Participate in Practice
LP - Limited Participation (less than 100 percent of a player's normal repetitions)
FP - Full Participation (100 percent of a player's normal repetitions)
O - Out (definitely will not play)
D - Doubtful (at least 75 percent chance will not play)
Q - Questionable (50-50 chance will not play)
P - Probable (virtual certainty will be available for normal duty)