Observations from Thursday night’s Carolina Panthers game at Baltimore against the Ravens:
u25aa Former Panthers receiver Steve Smith made the rounds before the game talking to his former teammates and coaches. Smith, who’s on the preseason physically unable to perform list, hugged dozens of Panthers players and shook hands and talked with quarterback Cam Newton briefly. One person he did not greet was general manager Dave Gettleman, who released Smith in 2014. Smith has since said he was “stabbed in the back” by Gettleman.
u25aa Seven Panthers did not dress in uniform the game. Cornerback Leonard Johnson (Achilles), safety Dean Marlowe (hamstring), fullback Devon Johnson (back), linebacker Ben Jacobs (ankle), defensive end Larry Webster (hamstring), defensive end Rakim Cox (back) and tight end Ed Dickson (groin).