Robinson back at practice

Panthers' returner injured knee

Carolina Panthers kick/punt returner Ryne Robinson, who has been out since early training camp with a knee injury, says he's about "80-85 percent" healthy but isn't likely to play in Sunday's home opener against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium.

"Maybe, maybe not," said Robinson. "If I'm not good enough to be 100 percent, then I won't go."

Robinson practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

"After today's activities, I'll be ready to go soon," he said. "I liked what I saw today. I mostly did some cutting and some running, some more movement stuff. Maybe I'll ramp it up [Thursday] and come in feeling great. Maybe they'll tape me up and I'll be able to go. But it'll be up to me and the trainer."

Rookie running back Jonathan Stewart returned kickoffs in this past week's season-opening victory against the San Diego Chargers, averaging 21.0 yards on four returns, with a long return of 27.

* Kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd, who forced the Chargers into touchbacks on four of his six kicks, has plenty of respect for the Bears' Devin Hester.

Hester, who returned two kickoffs and four punts for touchdowns last season (the six were an NFL record), isn't afraid to return the ball from anywhere in the end zone.

"Absolutely, that's an issue," said Lloyd. "We'll stick to what we did in San Diego, but maybe with a bit more directional stuff. I want to kick it as deep and as high as I can. The best-case scenario is to have it down inside the 20. Whether that's high hang times or out of the end zone, we'll work with it."

* As gratifying as Sunday's last-second victory over the Chargers was for quarterback Jake Delhomme, he would prefer them to come a little easier.

"Ideally for me, it would be to take the ball with six minutes and 45 seconds left and run the clock out," said Delhomme. "That would have been one of the most satisfying things for me, but we weren't able to do that. [But] these wins, they don't happen often. You need to enjoy them somewhat."

* On the mind of players this week is Carolina's 3-10 record in home openers, including four straight losses. "Home, period, has been an issue," said tackle Jordan Gross, referring to the Panthers' 2-6 home mark last year. "This game is just as big as last week was."

* Delhomme has thrown 11 touchdown passes and one interception in his past five games, interrupted by elbow surgery.

BUCS' GARCIA OUT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia is out of Sunday's home opener against Atlanta because of a sprained ankle. He will be replaced by veteran Brian Griese.

NINERS' SMITH ON IR AGAIN: Alex Smith's season is over with another shoulder injury. The high-priced quarterback's short career with the San Francisco 49ers is probably finished as well.

COLTS DT JOHNSON ARRESTED: Indianapolis Colts starting defensive tackle Ed Johnson was arrested early Wednesday on a drug possession charge.

SAINTS' COLSTON OUT: Marques Colston, the New Orleans Saints' top receiver during the past two seasons, had surgery on his left thumb and will miss four to six weeks.

FORMER CHIEF HEADRICK DEAD AT 71: Sherrill Headrick, a former Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker, died Wednesday. He was 71.