Panthers’ Davis Injured

Stephen Davis limped his way into the Carolina Panthers’ practice Wednesday while Kevin Dyson practically skipped out to the field.

Davis was held out of practice with a suddenly sore ankle the same day Dyson made his first appearance after tearing his Achilles’ tendon in the spring.

Davis, the NFC’s leading rusher with 992 yards, is questionable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.

But the Panthers were highly guarded about Davis’ injury, which mysteriously appeared over the last few days.

“It’s something that got a little sore on him probably Tuesday morning, and he came in and got treatment all day,” Coach John Fox said. “It had not been bothering him before that.”

Fox said he researched the league rules Wednesday morning and learned he didn’t have to reveal which ankle was bothering Davis, so he didn’t.

Dyson, signed during the off-season to become the Panthers’ top receiving threat, tore his Achilles’ tendon in spring drills and was expected to be out for the year. But his recovery has been faster than expected and he bounded into the stadium Wednesday eagerly.

“I did a lot more than I think people would have expected me to for my first day back,” he said.

Asked whether he thought he could play against Tampa Bay, Dyson didn’t hesitate. Fox was a little more guarded.

“Never say never,” Fox said. “He hadn’t been playing a long time, so it’s going to take a lot of time to get him ready. But he’s coming along good.”

*

The Oakland Raiders put injured backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo on injured reserve because of a completely torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Coach Bill Callahan said that at this point Tuiasosopo won’t have surgery.

The Raiders filled his roster spot with practice squad quarterback Tee Martin. Oakland also signed quarterback Rob Johnson on Tuesday, and Johnson probably will be the No. 3 quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets behind starter Rick Mirer and Martin.

Also Wednesday, Callahan met with Raider cornerback Charles Woodson, who has criticized Callahan recently.

“I had a conversation with Charles today,” Callahan said after practice.

“It was very positive. We’re moving forward.”

*

New York Jet receiver Wayne Chrebet sustained a concussion against the New York Giants, the latest in a line of head injuries for the veteran.

Chrebet, who has been suffering from headaches and fatigue since the game, will not play Sunday against the Oakland Raiders and is listed as week to week.

After a doctor evaluated Chrebet again Wednesday, he determined Chrebet should not play until he knew what was causing the symptoms. The doctor does not know whether Chrebet has post-concussion syndrome, so he will undergo more tests and be evaluated by an independent neurologist.

*

David Carr made it through his first practice in 10 days since spraining his right ankle and said he expects to start at quarterback when Houston plays at Cincinnati this weekend.

Carr did not appear to favor his heavily taped ankle during the two-hour practice session or afterward.

*

Indianapolis kick returner Brad Pyatt will sit out about six weeks because of a minor fracture in his vertebrae. Pyatt leads the AFC in kickoff returns with an average of 28.6 yards.... Former Jacksonville wide receiver Micah Ross signed with San Diego to fill the spot left vacant when Eric Parker was put on injured reserve.... The Cleveland Browns activated fullback R.J. Bowers and put tight end Chad Mustard on the practice squad.... Running back Willis McGahee was activated by the Buffalo Bills even though the first-round pick isn’t ready to play his first NFL game. Although impressed by McGahee’s progress from knee surgery, Coach Gregg Williams said it’s far too early to tell when he could be ready to play, if at all this season.