Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Panthers expect Davis to return vs. Eagles

John Fox is crossing his fingers in hopes halfback Stephen Davis will play. Davis has practiced for three days and is expected to return to the starting lineup. On Thursday, though, Fox said Davis was still questionable.

A week ago, Davis' knee didn't seem to be 100 percent one hour before the game and Fox decided to rest him another week. With DeShaun Foster out with a broken collarbone, the Panthers need Davis because Nick Goings isn't the answer and they might have to use Joey Harris, who was signed off the practice squad.

Defensive tackle Brentson Buckner practiced Friday and will play, which is vital because the team lost its best defender, Kris Jenkins, this week. Linebacker Mark Fields didn't practice Friday and is questionable because of a back injury. He probably won't play, joining Foster, halfback Rod Smart (knee) and wide receiver Steve Smith (ankle) on the sidelines.

Backup defensive tackle Omari Jordan had a bad ankle in a boot Friday and is a big question mark for the Eagles game. His role is more important because of the loss of Jenkins and Buckner's knee. Jordan practiced Friday and will try to play.