Chris

Gamble

He’s passed Artrell Hawkins, despite Hawkins returning from injury. Gamble is certainly outplaying Green Bay’s Ahmad Carroll, taken in front of him in the first round.

Gamble came into the game banged up, but this is a new injury. Darius Butler started the second half.

“I’m disappointed. He was feeling better the other day and we thought he might have turned the corner,” coach Ron Rivera said. “Unfortunately, he didn’t feel well today. So we’ll continue to follow protocol. We’ll see how it goes.” Former Patriots second-rounder Darius Butler will start if Gamble can’t go.

The Bears will face a Panthers team without its top corner, so it’s a shame Chicago can’t protect Jay Cutler enough to capitalize. For Carolina, expect Captain Munnerlyn and Darius Butler to start with Jordan Pugh at nickel back.

The first-round pick out of Ohio St. takes over for Steve Smith. Gamble had a solid first game as a starting cornerback versus the Packers in week one.

Gamble has had a quality bounce-back season, successfully shadowing No. 1 receivers. “He’s got a lot of football under his belt,” said DC Sean McDermott. “Very smart player. Very heady player. Tremendous ball skills.” Gamble now seems likely to collect his $6.75 million base salary for 2012.

The rookie had been playing fairly well lately.

“That’s tough to say, just because we’ll see (Friday),” Rivera said. Gamble was running fine after having two weeks off, but complained of stiffness and soreness Thursday morning. Rookie Luke Kuechly is tentatively expected to start at middle linebacker versus the Cowboys.

Dallas’ offense couldn’t ask for a more favorable matchup versus a Panthers defense that was already susceptible both via the run and pass before losing its top corner and MLB Jon Beason, who’s listed as doubtful. Expect Captain Munnerlyn and rookie Josh Norman to start at cornerback against the Cowboys.