NFL Nation: Hilee Taylor
The list of inactive players for Carolina includes receiver Kenneth Moore, defensive end Charles Johnson, safety Charles Godfrey, running back Mike Goodson, fullback Brad Hoover, guard Duke Robinson and defensive end Hilee Taylor. A.J. Feeley is the third quarterback.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
The NFC South is dominating the NFL's new Brand University program, which works with rookie players to help them make good choices on and off the field.
Carolina's rookie class will receive an award today the NFL said. The only previous award was given to Atlanta's rookies about a month ago.
Rookie classes were asked to set goals in four areas: On the field, in community partnerships, player development and citizenship and award winners were decided on how many goals were met.
Carolina's goals included having at least two rookie starters in the games in Weeks 9 through 12. Gary Barnidge, Charles Godfrey and Jeff Otah got starts in those games and the Panthers also got significant contributions from Jonathan Stewart and Hilee Taylor. As part of their community involvement, the Carolina rookies dressed up in Halloween costumes and visited Levine Children's Hospital. They also served 200 steak dinners at a homeless shelter in Charlotte and purchased holiday food and toys for a family of five.
Atlanta's rookies earned the award in Weeks 5 through 8. Their on-field goals were to have at least one starter per game (they averaged 2.75 in that stretch) and have rookies play at least 5-percent of the plays (they participated in 20-percent). The Falcons rookie also made eight community appearances through Week 8.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Here's a quick roundup of the events of the day in the NFC South.
PANTHERS
Cornerback Ken Lucas was listed on the injury report with a head injury, but he fully participated in Wednesday's practice. Linebacker Adam Seward (ankle) and defensive end Hilee Taylor did not practice.
Guard Travelle Wharton gets some international pub for his big fumble recovery Sunday and his strong season overall.
BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay didn't practice Wednesday, but they did put out an injury report, as required by the NFL. The Bucs specified that the report is only an estimate, but they estimated that defensive tackle Jovan Haye (knee) wouldn't have practiced and quarterback Brian Griese (elbow), receiver Ike Hilliard (shoulder), tight end Alex Smith (ankle) and defensive end Gaines Adams (hip) would have participated on a limited basis. The Bucs return to practice Thursday.
SAINTS
Fullback Mike Karney practiced for the first time since suffering a knee injury Nov. 9. Running back Reggie Bush also participated fully. Safety Kevin Kaesviharn (shoulder) did not practice and is doubtful for Sunday's game with Atlanta.
The Saints signed defensive end Rob Ninkovich and safety Terrence Holt to fill the roster spots for the suspended Deuce McAllister and Will Smith.
FALCONS
Rookie left tackle Sam Baker took a big step in his return from back surgery. He's been out since Week Six, but returned to the practice field on a limited basis Wednesday. But my best guess is we're at least another week away from seeing Baker in a game.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
San Diego -- Here are the inactive lists for both Carolina and San Diego.
Carolina: Matt Moore, Ryne Robinson, C.J. Wilson, James Anderson, Donte Curry, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Hilee Taylor and Frank Omiyale.
San Diego: Charlie Whitehurst, DeJuan Tribble, Anthony Waters, Nick Hardwick, Marcus McNeill, Buster Davis, Kris Wilson and Brandon McKinney.
No major surprises here. As expected, the Chargers will be without two standout offensive linemen: center Nick Hardwick (foot) and left tackle Marcus McNeill (neck). Jeremy Newbery will play center and L.J. Shelton will play for McNeill and try to keep Panthers sack master Julius Peppers away from San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers.
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Biggest surprise: Can't really say there was any shock at Carolina's moves. But I think it's fair to say the release of defensive end Stanley McClover was a big disappointment to the team. McClover had plenty of chances last year and in training camp. McClover had potential but never was able to get anything out of that and the Panthers decided to keep undrafted rookie Hilee Taylor. They could still look to add another defensive end.
No-brainer: A day ago, cornerback and return man Ricardo Colclough probably would have been on the roster. But Colclough was charged with driving while impaired early this morning and that probably prompted his release. The Panthers might put up with some issues from important players, but not from Colclough.
What's next: With Steve Smith suspended for the first two games, the Panthers still let veteran receivers Samie Parker and Travis Taylor go. They did keep undrafted rookie Dominique Thompson but it's likely they'll scour the list of newly-available receivers.
