news-record.com

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Carolina Panthers coach John Fox takes pride in avoiding direct answers to most questions, providing little information on injuries, depth chart issues and personnel moves.

It's left the Panthers in the Michael Vick discussion — even though the team has had no discussions about bringing in the former Atlanta quarterback.

"As I've said before, you always keep all options open," Fox said Wednesday. "I can't say that's something that we're heavily involved in at this point. I hate ruling out really anything."

The rigid philosophy has left the Panthers on the short list of teams that haven't officially ruled out signing Vick, who is attempting a comeback after completing a prison sentence for his role in a dogfighting operation.

It doesn't matter that owner Jerry Richardson is a stickler for having character players and is still stinging from former receiver Rae Carruth's murder conspiracy conviction. It doesn't matter that the Panthers are happy with quarterback Jake Delhomme.

Players seemed amused with the Vick-to-Carolina talk.

"We've got way more things to worry about than what Vick is doing," tackle Jordan Gross said.

NO SLING: Receiver Steve Smith was without his sling Wednesday, two days after suffering a right shoulder injury.

Smith attended practice, which included a stint riding a stationary bike while reading a book. He's expected to miss at least a couple of weeks.

Smith was injured after a collision with Chris Gamble Monday night. X-rays were negative, but Smith was in a sling and didn't attend Tuesday's practice.

Other players sitting out Wednesday's workouts were linebackers Thomas Davis (knee) and Landon Johnson (groin), running back Jonathan Stewart (Achilles' tendon), safety Nate Salley (knee) and guard C.J. Davis (ankle).

PEP SWITCH: Julius Peppers was back at left defensive end Wednesday. It's not expected to last.

As they did in offseason workouts, new defensive line coach Brian Baker switched all ends to the other side in the morning workout. It's an effort to make players versatile enough that they know both positions.

It left Peppers back where he played before switching to the right side last season, when he had a career-high 14½ sacks.

EXTRA POINTS: There were several skirmishes again in the morning workout, including LB Jon Beason getting separated from going after tight end Andrew Davie. ... C Ryan Kalil is catching grief from teammates after offensive line coach Dave Magazu started calling him "Butterball." ... The Panthers practice today at 3:10 p.m.