Ricky

Manning Jr.

Manning is only 28 and has 38 career starts, but has clearly lost a step and is coming off a compound ankle/leg fracture. We’re betting he’s still better than John Bowie, but Manning has an uphill climb to make the roster.

He lasted one week. John Bowe remains on Al Davis scholarship.

Manning, 28, was a former third-round pick of the Panthers. He recently struggled with leg injuries, lost a step and was cut by the Raiders in August. It’s looking like his NFL career is over.

He could push Charles Tillman in training camp to start this season.

Maurice Drew is scheduled to appear in court on the same charge on June 16.

“I’m not really worried about the charge,” Manning said while sneering at a group of geeky computer-toting reporters.

The Panthers will likely have recently signed free agent Ken Lucas, and second-year man Chris Gamble ahead of Manning on the depth chart, despite Manning posting better numbers in 04 than in 03. ''Obviously, they have invested a lot more money in those two guys – a lot more than they have in me,’' Manning told the Gaston Gazette on Sunday. ''So it gives them the upper edge. That’s the economics of it.’'

The Panthers have enviable depth nearly everywhere on defense right now. They will be one of our top fantasy picks.

Trumaine McBride’s solid work as a rookie may make Manning expendable. Manning is entering the third year of a backloaded deal he signed in 2006.

Manning had asked for a trade or his release, but his contract made a trade unlikely. He was buried on Chicago’s depth chart, but will surely find a taker for his services.