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), Trent Guy (hamstring), Rashawn Jackson (foot), Richard Marshall (knee), Captain Munnerlyn (calf), Jeff Otah (PUP - knee), Tyrell Sutton (shoulder), Hilee Taylor (knee), C.J. Wilson (head) and Wallace Wright (shoulder). We added an offensive lineman, Tim Duckworth. He was with the Saints and played at Auburn.
On the progress of rookie wide receiver David Gettis: David is a young guy that came in. He wasn't really involved heavily in (Baylor's) college passing attack, but he's got good height, weight and speed. He's worked very hard in our OTAs and minicamp, and I've seen growth in him out here on the practice field. So that's how they earn those opportunities in games, and he's made the most of them.
On Gettis' chances of being a factor in the team's receiving corps: We get one more opportunity to evaluate all the players this Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Those will be tough decisions, but he's got an opportunity and he'll get an opportunity Thursday.
On the importance of the last preseason game for players on the bubble of making the team: A lot. It's one more opportunity. They get four of them, and we've been through three. We've got this last opportunity. Our reserves will get more playing time Thursday night than they did last week against Tennessee, so they'll get more opportunities and it will make the difference in a lot of decisions.
On why the defense is playing so well through three preseason games: They've worked at getting better and they did that all through the offseason and they've done it progressively each week in the preseason. They've got some confidence and some swagger, and knock on wood we've remained relatively healthy and I think that has a lot to do with it.
On running back Mike Goodson: He worked very hard this offseason. A second-year player typically does make a pretty good jump. He put a lot of time in the weight room, conditioning and his playbook, so I think he's playing faster. He's always had good natural speed but now he's playing faster, and I think you were able to see that the other night.
On if anybody has taken the lead to be the team's punt or kick returner: We're just evaluating guys. That's all part of the preseason and we'll continue to do that Thursday night.
