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CHARLOTTE -- When Dwayne Jarrett left Southern California with a slew of school receiving records, few would have imagined his biggest honor early in his second NFL season would be getting voted player of the week -- of the scout team.

But the way Jarrett acted and performed in simulating the opposition in practice last week -- before spending his third straight game on the inactive list -- was a milestone in his rocky maturation process.

"To watch him run and participate and not sulk was one of the most satisfying things to me," quarterback Jake Delhomme said.

Jarrett will now finally be on the field for more than just practice. With D.J. Hackett (knee) out for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay and with kick returner and backup receiver Ryne Robinson (knee) placed on injured reserve, Jarrett will get a uniform against the Buccaneers for the 10th time in 22 games with Carolina.

"It's unfortunate it took somebody getting hurt for me to be active, but at the same time it's an opportunity," Jarrett said. "And I'm going to represent this receiving crew to the best of my ability and try to help this team win."

At 6-foot-4, strong and with good hands, Jarrett was projected to be a starting NFL possession receiver. After setting the Pac-10 career record with 41 touchdown catches in three seasons, Jarrett turned pro last year at age 20.

After slipping into the second round, the Panthers snatched him up. So convinced he was ready to immediately become the starter opposite Steve Smith, they released Keyshawn Johnson.

But Jarrett's rookie year was a disaster. He struggled to learn the playbook and had trouble getting free off the line of scrimmage.

His work ethic was questioned, too. Smith embarrassed him after practice one day by telling him to watch film instead of talking to reporters.

Jarrett was inactive in nine games, and caught six passes. Then he topped it off in March by getting arrested -- and later pleading guilty -- to driving while impaired.

"Coming in from college to the NFL is definitely two different lifestyles," Jarrett said. "Playing wasn't, but the learning and the off the field stuff was."

Teammates say they started to see a difference in Jarrett in offseason workouts. Veteran Muhsin Muhammad -- signed in February -- constantly challenged him.

When Smith was suspended for the first two regular-season games, Jarrett got to play. He made a key 11-yard catch on Carolina's game-winning touchdown drive in the opener at San Diego.

"He came in (last year) and I don't think mentally he was ready for what the NFL presented to him," cornerback Ken Lucas said. "This second year he came in and conducted himself like a seasoned veteran."

When Smith returned, Jarrett was back as the No. 4 receiver -- and on the inactive list.

The old Jarrett might have started to slack off. But his teammates watched him continue to work hard -- even on the scout team -- and honored him for his effort last week.

"I didn't get my full opportunity, but I kept working hard," Jarrett said. "And the coaches noticed it, the players."

NOTE: Left tackle Jordan Gross returned to practice Thursday for the first time since being knocked unconscious nearly two weeks ago, and he thinks he'll play Sunday against Tampa Bay.

"You'll have to ask (coach John) Fox if I'm playing or not," Gross said. "He hasn't told me yet, but I passed all of my tests."

Right tackle Jeff Otah also was back on the field after missing last week's win over Kansas City with a sprained right ankle. Center Ryan Kalil was the only starting offensive linemen to sit out, thanks to a right ankle injury.

Defensive tackle Darwin Walker (thigh) and safety Quinton Teal (ankle) practiced on a limited basis after missing Wednesday.