Keep your eye on ...
Panthers WR Steve Smith: Get one last peak at the former Pro Bowl wideout for a few weeks, because he was suspended the first two regular season games for punching teammate Ken Lucas during training camp. He has been sharp in preseason and is still QB Jake Delhomme's favorite target.
Panthers rookie RB Jonathan Stewart: The first-round pick out of Oregon was sensational against the Redskins last week and will look to build on that performance in his final preseason outing. He figures to see some aciton early on along with DeAngelo Williams.
Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall: The Steelers' first-round pick was the leading rusher last week against the Vikings, but he is also still adjusting to the NFL, as he lost two fumbles. He'll hope for a more consistent performance against Carolina on Thursday night, when he'll get even more carries.
Steelers' kicker Jeff Reed: Reed has hit on seven of eight field goals, including a 47-yard game-winner in Minnesota last week. However, if Reed is able to pad his stats, that means the Steelers aren't getting into the end zone, which is a concern for the team heading into a Week 1 showdown with the Texans.
