Over 15,000 fans show up for Panthers' scrimmage, but stars don't play

CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers held their annual Fan Fest without their regular stars.

Panthers coach John Fox held out most of his team's top players during a short intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

The 15,549 fans didn't see running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart or wide receivers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad. Defensive end Julius Peppers also didn't play.

Fox says he withheld the top players because the Panthers reported to training camp a few days later than normal. The Panthers open the preseason Aug. 17 on the road against the New York Giants.

The Panthers have Sunday off and resume practice Monday in Spartanburg, S.C.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press