Moore practices in full, expected to start at QB for Panthers on Sunday

Moore practices, expected to start for Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Moore will likely start Sunday against Tampa Bay after practicing for a second straight day following a concussion.

Moore fully participated in Thursday’s workout after being listed as limited a day earlier. Coach John Fox said Moore has been medically cleared to play and, barring anything unforeseen, will start against the Buccaneers in Carolina’s home opener.

“I feel good. That’s where we’re at,” Moore said. “I’m planning and preparing (to start). If something changes, so be it.”

Moore was knocked out of Sunday’s 31-18 loss to the New York Giants after taking two hits late in the fourth quarter. But a day later Fox said Moore felt “way better” and he passed a series of tests that allowed him to practice Wednesday.

Fox, always secretive with injuries, appeared confident Moore will start and acknowledged doctors have cleared him.

“Medically, yes,” Fox said. “I go ‘day to day’ because my experience has been you never know with any injury, not just concussions.”

Fox has no plans yet to turn to rookie Jimmy Clausen despite Moore’s struggles on Sunday. Moore threw three interceptions — all in the end zone — and lost a fumble. Clausen, the 48th overall pick in the draft, relieved Moore late in the game and threw two incomplete passes.

“That game is gone and we get 16 chances,” Moore said. “We just need to make sure it doesn’t happen anymore.”

The Panthers added a key player to the injury report on Thursday. Starting cornerback Chris Gamble was listed as limited with a sore ankle.

Right tackle Jeff Otah (knee) and defensive tackle Louis Leonard (elbow) missed practice. Special teams player Charly Martin, who left Sunday’s game with a concussion, sat out Thursday with a hamstring injury.

Defensive end Tyler Brayton (ankle) and receiver Brandon LaFell (hamstring) practiced on a limited basis. LaFell later declared, “I’m playing. I’ll be out there.”

Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay will be televised locally after the Panthers sold the remaining tickets before Thursday afternoon’s deadline.