January 1, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey (80) walks to the sidelines before their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

The Panthers have 16 players that will become free agents this year. However, none of the guys on the list would be viewed as guys that Carolina has to retain. There’s a couple players I’m sure the Panthers would like to have back as far as depth goes, but all these guys are expendable. That’s a good thing too, because Carolina spent a lot of money last offseason on retaining a couple potential free agents (Charles Johnson and DeAngelo Williams) and we’re also active in the free agent market.

Here’s a list of the players who could become free agents: Quarterback Derek Anderson, linebacker/defensive lineman Antwan Applewhite, offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau, linebacker Dan Connor, linebacker Omar Gaither, cornerback Cletis Gordon, offensive lineman Geoff Hangartner, long-snapper J.J. Jansen, receiver Legedu Naanee, linebacker Jordan Senn, tight end Jeremy Shockey, receiver Seyi Ajirotutu (exclusive rights), tight end Richie Brockel (exclusive rights), cornerback R.J. Stanford (exclusive rights), linebacker Thomas Williams (exclusive rights), linebacker Jason Phillips (restricted) and guard Geoff Schwartz (restricted).
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Charles Johnson is listed as probable with a shoulder injury, and while he did not practice on Wednesday, he was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. Look for Johnson to play on Sunday against the Colts.

James Anderson is listed as probable with an ankle injury. Anderson is in the same boat, he didn’t practice Wednesday, but has gone on to practice the rest of the week. Anderson should be out there Sunday.

Omar Gaither didn’t practice all week with a knee injury and is listed as doubtful for the game on Sunday.

Legedu Naanee is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Colts with an ankle injury. I haven’t heard much on his status for Sunday.

Dan Connor is listed as probable after following the same line as Johnson and Anderson. I bet he’ll be on the field tomorrow.

Jason Phillips is listed as questionable after being limited in practice all week. The fact that he was only limited and didn’t miss bodes wells for Phillips. He will most likely be a game time decision.

Cat Crave

Well it is week eight and the Panthers are looking for their third win of the season and first win streak under new head coach Ron Rivera and standing in their way is the Minnesota Vikings and All- Pro running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson is one of the NFL’s top running backs in the league and it will be interesting to see how the Panthers try and stop him, especially due to how bad the Cat’s run defense has been all season.

Both team’s are trotting out rookie quarterbacks with Cam Newton for the Panthers and Christian Ponder for the Vikings. We all know how well Newton has played this season but Ponder did play well in his first career start last week against the Green Bay Packers. He kept the Vikes in the game even though they lost 33-27. If Minnesota is going to win it will be because of Ponder because my guess is that the Panthers will load up the box and try to stop Adrian Peterson. (more…)