The Panthers are confident they will not repeat the injury explosion of a year ago that knocked them out of playoff contention in the early weeks of the season. After losing their top four running backs and 14 starters or players being counted on to contribute considerably last season, Carolina started off a miserable 1-7. But as some returned, they closed with a 6-2 rush that nearly allowed them to sneak back into the playoffs. They didn't make it but that late run left them confident they could return to their Super Bowl-level play of two years ago with some luck.

The big worry has to be the decision to rely on running back DeShaun Foster as their lead back. Foster is fast and talented, but his durability is a major question. He's had major injuries in two of the past three years. He can make game-breaking runs but he also is easily broken himself.

In case Foster falters, the Panthers hope workhorse Stephen Davis, who is coming off microfracture surgery himself, can provide some of the inside power he once used to rush for 1,400 yards. If he can't, No. 2 pick Eric Shelton out of Louisville is a 240-pound load who will see some playing time unless Foster and Davis provide the same one-two punch that helped power the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2003.

The other key return is defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. When Jenkins was lost last season, it caused serious problems in the front seven. Pro Bowl defensive end Mike Rucker faced many more double-team blocks, and that reduced his ability to get to the quarterback. It also affected the linebacker play. Now he's back, and with his return coach John Fox believes his defense will reverse its recent slide.

Fox's defense was second in the league his first year in Carolina, eighth in 2003 and slipped to 20th in yardage allowed last season. That's not all because of the loss of Jenkins, but it was a big factor. The addition of Ken Lucas at corner and No. 1 pick Thomas Davis at either linebacker or safety depending on the need adds speed and playmaking ability to a unit that forced 29 turnovers in the final eight games last season and seems likely to improve on that number this fall.

HOT SEAT: Steve Smith. With Muhsin Muhammad having fled in free agency, Smith's return to health is being heralded as the key to the passing game's continued success. Those are big shoes to fill figuratively and literally. Muhammad is physically much bigger and last year led the NFL in receptions and touchdowns. But Smith is more explosive and has better deep speed, which is why the Panthers felt they could let Muhammad go to improve their salary cap. He was quarterback Jake Delhomme's favorite target two years ago. Now it's being expected he'll come back to be the same player he was when he overshadowed Muhammad.

OVERHEARD: Cornerback Ken Lucas is being looked upon to make a major contribution to the slipping defense. Lucas signed a six-year, $36 million deal after four years starting in Seattle with the understanding he'd duplicate his performance of 2004 when he tied for the NFC lead with six interceptions and was a playmaking corner. Turnovers were a staple of the Panthers' Super Bowl defense two years ago.

OUTLOOK: The Panthers suffered ungodly injuries last year and still finished with a rush. If they can stay healthy they should be right back in the hunt with Atlanta for the division race. They could even challenge the Eagles for the NFC title but not unless they find a way to beat Michael Vick. Carolina has never beaten Vick when he was starting for the Falcons. Not many other teams have either but Carolina has to to get to the next level.

PREDICTION: First.

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