Draft confident he can fill Morgan's shoes

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -Chris Draft figured he'd get a shot at starting for the Carolina Panthers - eventually. It would only take one injury to any of the three linebackers playing ahead of him.

Draft has spent the entire season as the primary backup at all three of Carolina's linebacker positions. On Sunday, he's likely to start, with middle linebacker Dan Morgan still nursing a sprained ankle.

The Panthers upgraded running back DeShaun Foster, tight end Kris Mangum and defensive tackle Brentson Buckner from questionable to probable on Thursday. Morgan was still listed as doubtful.

One of the reasons the Panthers signed Draft to a two-year, $2 million contract in the offseason was because of Morgan's propensity for getting hurt. He's never made it through a 16-game season healthy.

"Dan has tremendous speed and when he's coming, he's tagging you," defensive end Mike Rucker said. "I think those two things the speed and getting to a play that is what makes him unique as opposed to some of the bigger, stockier middle linebackers in this league."

Draft, who played primarily inside linebacker at Atlanta, has started 52 games during his NFL career and is more than confident he can do the job.

He played almost the entire game last Sunday after Morgan's injury put him out in the first quarter. He finished with nine tackles, which equaled his season total coming into last week.

"It's not that much difference preparing like a starter," Draft said. "I always prepare like I'm going to play anyway. If someone gets hurt, you have to go in there."

Draft turned down some opportunities to start elsewhere because he liked the idea of playing for the Panthers, a team he played against twice a season while with the Falcons.

"Everyone here is on the same page," Draft said. "They wanted me to back up all three spots. I know all of the positions and that gives me an advantage."

When he came to Carolina, he thought he might have a shot to start, but Brandon Short took Mark Fields' old position at strongside linebacker. Short injured his plantar fascia during camp, but he recovered in time for the season opener.

Since then, Draft has seen his share of playing time on defense and on special teams.

Starting in the NFL is never guaranteed, Draft said.

"They said that in Atlanta that I would backup, but then I ended starting some," he said. "So they say back up but I think different. Now anyone can get hurt and I will be the guy."