Panthers, Buccaneers Square Off Tonight, NFL News

Panthers Seek Third Straight Win Against Bucs

(Tampa, FL) -- NFC South rivals clash in this week's Thursday night matchup as the Carolina Panthers play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Panthers are coming off a 30-15 home win over the Rams in Week Seven that evened their record at 3-3. Carolina has won three of its last four games following an 0-and-2 start.  A win over the Bucs would put the Panthers over .500 for the first time since 2008 when the team finished 12-4. Panthers head coach Ron Rivera says it would be huge for this team to get over .500.

Tampa Bay is still seeking its first win of the season.  At 0-and-6, the Buccaneers are one of just two NFL teams still without a victory, joining the 0-7 Jaguars. Quarterback Mike Glennon is set to start his fourth straight game, but running back Doug Martin is out with a shoulder injury.

Bears Back QB McCown

(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Chicago Bears are moving on after Jay Cutler's torn groin muscle. The team has expressed its faith in backup quarterback Josh McCown. The Bears are on a bye until they face the Packers on Monday, November 4, and they will use that time to get acclimated with McCown under center. He took over for Cutler in last week's 45-41 loss to Washington, going 14-for-20 with 204 yards and a touchdown.

Rams Sign QB's Davis, Quinn

(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams are bringing in some help at quarterback. They have signed both Austin Davis and Brady Quinn to provide depth after losing starter Sam Bradford to a season-ending ACL injury. Kellen Clemens will start Monday night's home game against Seattle. Bradford was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. The Rams also released offensive lineman Brandon Washington.

The Rams are prepping for the national spotlight in Week Eight. They play the NFC West rival Seahawks on "Monday Night Football" at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams will look to bounce back from Sunday's 30-15 loss at Carolina that has them back under .500 at 3-4. Seattle leads the division at 6-1. These teams split their two meetings last season.

Manning Hopes To Return To Practice After Injury

(Englewood, CO) -- Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is hoping to get back to practice today after an injury kept him on the sidelines Wednesday.

Manning said Wednesday he wanted to practice but team trainer Steve Antonopulos wouldn't let him. He hurt his ankle in Indianapolis but coach John Fox wouldn't say which ankle it was or when it happened in the game. Cornerback Champ Bailey, offensive tackle Orlando Franklin and several other players also missed practice Wednesday after injuries in Indy. The Broncos face the Washington Redskins Sunday.

Thursday, October 24 Schedule (All Times Central)

NFL

7:25 p.m. - Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers