Smith and Stewart are unlikely to see action

kennen

Smith and Stewart are unlikely to see action

NFLes.com NEWS-The Carolina Panthers will seek to close out a dismal 2010 preseason on a high note Thursday night, when they visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in the final preseason tune-up for each club.NFL jerseys

The Panthers offense, which has been missing key components cheap NFL jerseys such as wide receiver Steve Smith (arm) and running back Jonathan Stewart (heel), has had 42 offensive series without scoring a touchdown during the 2010 preseason. Starting quarterback Matt Moore could get a little more time in the preseason finale than is customary in order to work out the unit's kinks.

Moore is 28-of-57 (49.1 percent) passing for 279 yards with an interception and four sacks absorbed. Moore's 56.1 passer rating is best on the team, however, with backups Jimmy Clausen (46.8), Tony Pike (39.6) and Hunter Cantwell (48.2) not faring any better.

Smith and Stewart are unlikely to see action on Thursday.

Defensively, a group of injured defensive backs - cornerbacks Richard Marshall (knee), C.J. Wilson (concussion), Captain Munnerlyn (calf) and safety Aaron Francisco (hamstring) could be held out for precautionary reasons.

Meanwhile, the play of Pittsburgh's group of quarterbacks will also merit watching on Saturday.

Ben Roethlisberger, who could have his season-beginning suspension reduced from six games to four games imminently, is expected to see his last action until at least Oct. 17th on Thursday. Roethlisberger, who did not play in the team's preseason opener against the Lions on Aug. 14th, will make his first live appearance before the home fans since his much-publicized offseason troubles,

But that might not be the biggest story, as Dennis Dixon (304 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 91 rushing yards) has generally outplayed presumed starter Byron Leftwich (138 passing yards, 1 TD) during the warm-up period, and could prompt a greater call for his elevation to No. 1 status with a strong outing on Thursday.cheap NFL jerseys

The team will also have to make a decision on veteran Charlie Batch, who has thrown just six passes in the preseason and may not be deemed worthy of a roster spot.

Following Thursday's games, all 32 NFL teams will have until 6pm ET on Saturday evening to trim their rosters to the 53-player maximum.

The Steelers lead the all-time preseason series with the Panthers, 7-4, including a 21-10 road triumph prior to last season.

The teams will also meet in meaningful action during the 2010 cheap NFL jerseys regular season, with the Panthers visiting the Steelers on Dec. 23rd.

The Steelers open their 2010 regular season schedule at Heinz Field against the Falcons on Sept. 12th, while the Panthers travel to meet the New York Giants the same day.