Panthers' inactive list; Hoover returns

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The Panthers are fortunate that wide receiver Steve Smith and outside linebacker Na'il Diggs, both nursing sore ribs that made them questionable to play against the Jets, are active today. Also, fullback Brad Hoover and safety Charles Godfrey will be making their returns after missing the past three and four games, respectively, with severe ankle sprains.

There are no surprises on the inactive list: CB C.J. Wilson, RB Mike Goodson, FB Tony Fiammetta, G Duke Robinson, WR Kenneth Moore, and DEs Charles Johnson and Hilee Taylor.

Fiammetta is deactivated because of Hoover's return and the availability of tight end Dante Rosario to play fullback if necessary.

There hasn't been a formal announcement about who will start at free safety, but Godfrey is listed ahead of Sherrod Martin on the lineup chart handed out to the media. Godfrey missed the past four games with an ankle injury.

-- Charles Chandler