With Steve Smith suspended for the first two games, the Panthers were short on receivers and needed Hackett back after missing about a month due to an injured toe.

"It was kind of a breath of fresh air," said fellow receiver Muhsin Muhammad. "I know he's happy to get out there, run around a little bit and get some of the kinks out [since] he hadn't run routes full speed since training camp."

Hackett didn't play in the Panthers' four exhibitions after injuring his toe in early August. He said it was a fluke injury which happened when he took off from his receiver's stance on a pass route.

Hackett impressed the Panthers with his play in offseason workouts and early training camp practices.

Coach John Fox wouldn't say whether Hackett would start Sunday, but said he doesn't think the lack of preseason playing time will hamper Hackett.

* Smith, suspended because he punched Lucas in training camp, wasn't re-elected a team captain this year after filling the role last season.

Muhammad was named an offensive captain along with quarterback Jake Delhomme.

The defensive captains are right end Julius Peppers and middle linebacker Jon Beason. Kick John Kasay will captain the special teams.

* Kick returner and backup wide receiver Ryne Robinson said he hopes to return to practice in a few days from the knee injury he suffered in training camp.

Robinson is listed as doubtful for Sunday's season opener at San Diego, but is not expected to play. The Panthers signed veteran Mark Jones to return kicks against the Chargers. He spent the preseason with San Diego.

PATS' BRADY EXPECTED TO PLAY: Tom Brady participated in the New England Patriots' practice, a sign he's expected to play in Sunday's season opener after missing all four exhibition games.

Wednesday's practice report listed the quarterback with right shoulder and foot injuries. But last year's practice reports listed him with the shoulder injury in every game and he started all of them. Brady has started 127 straight games, the third-longest streak by a quarterback in NFL history.

DETROIT RB JOHNSON GETS LUGGAGE STOLEN: Detroit running back Rudi Johnson said Wednesday that the player who was waived to make room for him on the Lions' roster -- Tatum Bell -- took his luggage from team headquarters.

After being cut by the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson came to Detroit to work out for the team and meet with Lions president Matt Millen on Monday. During the meeting, which ended with Johnson agreeing to a free-agent contract, the two Gucci bags that he had received as a Pro Bowl gift were taken from inside the team's headquarters.

Johnson said a woman returned the bags to the practice facility Tuesday evening, but that the contents were gone.

JAGS' COLLIER STILL CRITICAL: Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Richard Collier remained in critical condition a day after getting shot in the front seat of his Cadillac Escalade.

Collier had surgery at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, and updates on his condition have been scarce because family members requested privacy. Coach Jack Del Rio said Wednesday that Collier was still in critical condition.

SEASON OVER FOR RAVENS' BOLLER: Kyle Boller was placed on injured reserve Wednesday by the Baltimore Ravens, ending his season and raising the question of whether the quarterback will throw another pass for the team.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.