CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen returned to practice Tuesday after missing a day with a sore right big toe, an ailment the former Notre Dame star expects to linger throughout his rookie season.
Clausen underwent surgery in January to replace two torn tendons after being injured early last season against Michigan State. Clausen said Tuesday the toe “feels good some days and sore other days” and it’s especially painful after games.
He played the entire second half in Saturday’s 9-3 loss to the New York Jets, completing 9 of 22 passes for 72 yards and an interception. Clausen appeared to be limping slightly after sitting out Monday’s practice.
usen said. “I’m just going to have to play through some pain until the season is over. That’s just the nature of football.”
Clausen, who was injured on Sept. 19 in Notre Dame’s third game last season, said he got through his junior season by taking pain injections. He still played in all 13 games, throwing 28 touchdown passes and four interceptions. His passer efficiency rating of 161.42 was the third-best in the country.
“To be honest, I didn’t know it was as serious as it was until I was getting ready for the (NFL scouting) combine,” Clausen said. “I just took shots in my toes and played through it.”
Once considered a top 10 pick, Clausen’s draft stock soon plummeted with questions about his attitude and leadership. The Panthers took him with the 48th overall pick.
If Matt Moore doesn’t get injured or struggle, Clausen may get to rest his toe for most of the season. Clausen has moved past Hunter Cantwell for the No. 2 job, but Moore appears to still have a lock on the starting job despite Carolina’s offensive woes in the preseason.
Neither Moore nor Clausen has been able to lead the Panthers to a touchdown in two exhibition games.
“I think they’ve improved each week,” coach John Fox said. “I’m not as concerned about that as maybe some people on the outside.”
interceptions playing against two of the NFL’s top defenses in the Jets and Baltimore Ravens.
“Wish I could have some throws back, especially the last one, the interception,” Clausen said of Saturday’s game. “It’s real good, especially for a young guy like myself, to play against a defense like that. Seeing pressures each and every down, that’s the best team to see pressure against. That’s all they do, pretty much, them and Baltimore.”
Notes: S Sherrod Martin returned to practice after missing the Jets game with a groin injury. … CB Richard Marshall (knee), DE Tyler Brayton (ankle), CB Captain Munnerlyn (calf), RT Jeff Otah (knee), LB Quinton Culberson (thigh), S Aaron Francisco (hamstring), DE Hilee Taylor (knee), DB C.J. Wilson (head) remained sidelined.
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