D-II star Bell moves up to #3 QB for Panthers

Dalton Bell threw for almost 8,000 yards and 62 TDs at Division II West Texas A&M. With a season-ending wrist injury to reserve quarterback Brett Basanez, the undrafted rookie quarterback has a chance to make the regular season roster. Yesterday, Bell took some snaps with the first string.

Dan Morgan to play Friday

Panthers linebacker Dan Morgan will see his first game action in about a year Friday. Dan hasn't played since last year's season opener when he suffered a concussion. What a difference I hope he makes this season! Above all though, I hope my man stays healthy, in the head.

Panthers get help in Secondary

Needing another experienced safety, the Panthers acquired two-year veteran Chris Harris yesterday from the Chicago Bears for a fifth-round choice in the 2008 draft.

"According to our scouts and coaches he's an instinctive player, and we feel he can come in here and compete," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said.

"I think we're fortunate the Bears have a real surplus at that position," Hurney said. "Chris is a guy that we feel can come in here, compete and help us."

A former Louisiana-Monroe standout, Harris is solidly built (6 feet tall, 205 pounds), and a good hitter. He was fined $7,500 last December for what the league viewed as over aggressiveness in a game against Minnesota.

In 25 games, including 20 starts, Harris has 112 tackles, five interceptions, eight passes defensed, one sack and one fumble recovery.

Panthère de Caroline?

Trying out for our Panthers 53-man roster is 28 year old linebacker Philippe Gardent (6'1" 240 lbs). This member of France's national bobsled team passed up the Olympics to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL some day.

Is he good? He was the first European-born player to claim NFL Europa MVP. Last year he led the league with 70 tackles and was co-Defensive POTY. This year he had 77 tackles and made the All-NFL Europa defensive team.

He's hoping he can do for the NFL in France what Tony Parker did for the NBA.

Bon chance!