Moran Norris is now the starting fullback, and not just because rookie Jerome Felton has missed two games with a high ankle sprain. The Lions signed Norris on Oct. 9. "We found a really good football player," coach Rod Marinelli said. "He is a load as a lead-blocker."

PLAYER NOTES

--DE Jared DeVries (hand) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday and likely will not play Sunday.

--WR Mike Furrey (concussion) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday but likely will play Sunday.

--QB Dan Orlovsky (hand) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. He has decided to put off surgery and see how his broken thumb heals over the next two weeks.

--C Dominic Raiola (hand) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday and likely will not play Sunday.

--DT Cory Redding (groin) did not practice Wednesday but was limited Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--LB Ernie Sims (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday but likely will play Sunday.

--S Dwight Smith (foot) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. He has missed three games and will not comment on his health. He has seen a specialist. His status is unclear.

--CB Keith Smith (groin) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday. His status is unclear.

--DE Dewayne White (calf) did not practice Wednesday and Thursday and likely will not play Sunday.

--LT Jeff Backus (quad) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--DT Shaun Cody (ankle) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--DT Chuck Darby (calf) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--FB Jerome Felton (ankle) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--TE Casey Fitzsimmons (ribs) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--CB Brian Kelly (back) was limited Wednesday but practiced fully Thursday. He likely will play Sunday.

--TE John Owens (hamstring) was limited Wednesday and Thursday but likely will play Sunday.

GAME PLAN: The Lions must let loose rookie running back Kevin Smith and get something going on the ground, because if they let their defense stay on the field or have to throw to play catch-up, they're dead. The Lions' defense has been awful and could be bulldozed by the Panthers' running game and picked apart by Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith and company. Daunte Culpepper is still adjusting at quarterback, and the offensive line is banged-up. Not a good combo against defensive end Julius Peppers.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Lions offensive line vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers -- The Lions allowed seven sacks Sunday against Jacksonville. Peppers had three sacks himself at Oakland. The Panthers could line up Peppers against rookie right tackle Gosder Cherilus, but they might move him all over the place, as they did against the Raiders. Peppers could have a field day anywhere along the line. The Lions have used six starting offensive line combinations in nine games.

Lions run defense vs. Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams: The Jaguars ran over the Lions - sometimes literally - Sunday with their one-two punch of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. The Panthers could do the same thing with Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Though Stewart has fallen off lately, he could pick it back up again against the Lions. Williams has the potential to have a big day.

Lions pass defense vs. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme: Quarterbacks have been having career days against the Lions all season. This could be just what Delhomme needs after a poor performance at Oakland. After throwing four interceptions against the Raiders, Delhomme faces a Detroit team that has only two interceptions - only one by a defensive back.

INJURY IMPACT: With starting defensive ends Dewayne White (calf) and Jared DeVries (hand) likely out Sunday, the Lions' defensive line will be young. Ikaika Alama-Francis, a second-round pick last year, will start on the left end. Andre Fluellen, a third-round pick this year who is normally a tackle, also will play left end. Cliff Avril, a third-round pick this year, will rotate at right end with veteran Corey Smith. Landon Cohen, a seventh-round pick this year, will be active for the first time and back up at nose tackle.