This weekend the Panthers play conference rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I will be at Bank of America Stadium again this weekend, and I’m just ecstatic. Not only do I have a gut feeling that the Panthers have a shot at winning, I have a gut feeling that they might actually win this matchup. I don’t know what it is that makes me feel like we’re going to win, I just do. The Panthers will see their revenge though, and hopefully embarrass the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A few things happened over the past week that could affect the Panthers coming into this matchup. We all know that Special Teams Coordinator Brian Murphy was fired this week, and his assistant will be replacing him for the time being. Besides the firing of Brian Murphy, a few things also happened as well. The Panthers signed veteran Offensive Lineman Jeremy Bridges. Bridges was a former Panther who was let go a few seasons back, but has now returned to bring support to our struggling O-Line. As the time seems right for Bridges, it doesn’t seem to be panning out that way for fourth string Wide Receiver Armanti Edwards. Edwards sat out during Thursday’s practice with a groin injury he suffered during the previous day’s practice.

Jun 1, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers wide receiver Joe Adams walks to the practice field for organized training activities at the team

Though it’s terrible for Armanti to injure himself after he just now started getting more playing time, it opens a gate for unproven rookie wide out Joe Adams. Adams, who has sat every game since he fumbled the ball twice against the New York Giants in week three, might get his chance to redeem himself against the Buccaneers, if Armanti’s injury is more serious than coaches currently believe. Ron Rivera told the Official Panthers website that, “I have really tried to pay close attention to (Joe), and he’s doing a lot of work, he’s put his nose to the grindstone,” Rivera said. “He’s stayed after practice and he’s been very diligent catching (punts).” Armanti handled the kickoff returns and not the punt returns, but his absence would open up room for Joe. As for the kickoff returns David Gettis and Adams will both be considered if Armanti is out for the game.

That’s great news for the young receiver whose chances are going to be few and far between in the first half of this season. I personally cannot wait for the game this weekend, a game where we should see more action through the air, since the Buccaneers have the worst Pass Defense in the league. Fantasy owners, start Brandon LaFell…

Go Panthers!!!

In another salary cap move that apparently happened earlier this month, the Panthers converted cornerback Chris Gamble’s upcming $10 million roster bonus to a signing bonus, allowing them to pro-rate it and spread it over the next five seasons. It appears that resulted in about $8 million in cap savings for 2009.

This was somewhat unexpected but it does allow the team to save some space for at least a minor run in free agency.

The Panthers have  just announced that they’ve released wide receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings.

The three moves saved the Panthers just under $4.5 million on their 2009 salary cap — ($2.375 million savings for Bridges, $1.2825 million for Hackett and $820,000 for Goings).

The status of cornerback Ken Lucas remains uncertain. There has been speculation that he could be released or traded, which would create another $2.375 million in cap space.

The surprise here is the release of veteran Nick Goings.  He’s been a steady player and a solid backup.  Plus, he’s contributed on special teams.  This one is a bit shocking.

It’s also a bit surprising that Bridges was released since he provided some solid depth along the offensive line.

The Carolina Panthers have placed right guard Keydrick Vincent on injured reserve, ending the starter’s season because of a groin injury from a week ago.

The Panthers filled the roster spot Saturday by promoting defensive tackle Nick Hayden from the practice squad. Hayden will provide insurance because tackle Maake Kemoeatu has a sprained right ankle and is questionable for Sunday’s game at the New York Giants.

Vincent had been the only Panthers’ offensive linemen to start all 14 games this season. He left last Sunday’s win over Denver in the second half and had not practiced since. The Panthers believe the injury won’t allow him to return for several weeks.

Jeremy Bridges is expected to start at right guard Sunday.

This is hardly good news.  Bridges has filled in earlier this season but he is a natural left guard.  This one could hurt a bit.