Andre Johnson (groin) is on track to return to practice next week. It looks at first glance as though this injury isn't serious, but it's a reminder of how Johnson's been susceptible to leg-muscle strains in his early 30s.

Jahvid Best (concussion) is being measured in weeks, not days according to his coach. If someone set the over/under on carries for Best this year at .5, I couldn't argue with them too much. Concussions are unpredictable enough even in baseball, and when you combine that with a player who crashes into opponents, often shoulder- and helmet-first, for a living, they're even more troubling.

Isaac Redman is slated to be the Steelers third-down back. With Rashard Mendenhall looking like a regular-season PUP candidate, Redman could see a heavy workload early on.

Coach Greg Schiano apparently thinks LeGarrette Blount is a better player this year, adding that the running back is a little bit leaner and in better shape overall. This is a far cry from an earlier report suggesting Blount could be cut. While Doug Martin is the favorite to get most of the carries, Blount has the size and athleticism to carve out a significant role.

Brandon LaFell is the favorite to start opposite Steve Smith. The Panthers have Smith, Greg Olsen and not a whole lot else. If Cam Newton takes another step forward as a passer, there will be enough to go around for three targets.

Ryan Mathews was back at practice after being in a car accident. Nothing to see here. He should be fine - at least until he twists his ankle.

Danny Coale is recovering more quickly than expected from his foot injury and may be ready to return to practice by next week. He could compete for the team's No. 3 job, a significant role with the injury-prone Dez Bryant and Miles Austin ahead of him.