miaowang123: ery.Dallas signed linebacker Keith Smith

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CHARLOTTE, N. Max Kepler Twins Jersey .C. -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera still isnt sure wholl protect quarterback Cam Newtons blindside this season. But he doesnt seem overly worried. The Panthers have been searching for a replacement for longtime left tackle Jordan Gross, who retired earlier this off-season. Byron Bell, last years starting right tackle, and Nate Chandler, a converted defensive tackle, have been working as the starting tackles during OTAs. Theyve been flip-flopping from left to right tackle, depending on the day. Neither has played left tackle before in the NFL. Rivera said veteran Garry Williams, who is coming off a knee injury, could also figure into the mix once healthy. "Weve not decided on a lot of positions yet," Rivera said. "The biggest thing we have right now is competition and guys working. ... Well see how we are once we get into training camp." Newton hasnt participated in OTAs except to throw on the side. He said he could be ready for minicamp next week, but at the very least should be completely healthy when training camp begins July 24. "Come game time, its no doubt in my mind that every single person will be ready to go. That is what OTAs and minicamp are designed for -- to get these guys prepared, to get myself prepared," Newton said. "When that ball is snapped I have full confidence in Nate Chandler and Byron Bell that they will get the job done." While many teams invest millions in protecting their quarterbacks blindside, the Panthers seem to be taking a chance with lower-priced players who havent played the position. Bell and Chandler will make a combined $2.6 million this season. Both players insist they dont have a preference on which position they play. "Were both getting an equal opportunity to win a job, which is nice," Chandler said. Said Bell: "I really dont care. Either position, wherever coach sees being the best fit for either one of us is fine. Im just trying to win football games. If that means left tackle, right tackle or on the bench, wherever the team needs me is fine." Filling Gross shoes wont be easy. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Gross started 167 games during his 10 seasons with the Panthers and was a member of the Super Bowl team as a rookie in 2003. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Chandler is an intriguing story. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012 out of UCLA. He started his career with the Bruins as an offensive lineman, but later moved to tight end as a sophomore and then to defensive tackle for his final two seasons. When he arrived in Carolina he saw spot duty at defensive tackle a rookie, playing in 10 games with five tackles in 2012. But coaches thought with Chandlers combination of quickness and size he might be more valuable on the offensive line, so they moved him there last year in training camp. Chandler started eight games in 2013 -- six at right guard and two at right tackle -- due to injuries. Bell was also undrafted. He came out of New Mexico in 2011 and was thrust in the mix as a rookie. Hes started 41 games over the past three seasons for Carolina -- all but one of those at right tackle. "Im left handed, so Ill feel comfortable over there," said Bell, who started three years at left tackle at New Mexico. "But if it is right tackle, Im certainly fine over there. "The big thing is we as an offensive line have to do is go in with the mindset that we have to keep No. 1 (Newton) upright. And if you have a bad play, you have to forget about and move on the next one because that (pass rusher) will be coming again." C. J. Cron Jersey . The Red Sox maintained a share of the AL wild-card lead Tuesday night, using four home runs to beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-7 and set up a dramatic conclusion to the regular season. The skidding Red Sox were 6-19 this month before rebounding to edge the last-place Orioles. Kent Hrbek Jersey . Smith, who raised eyebrows at the CFL combine in March with his ability on both sides of the ball, confirmed in a statement he tested positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol prior to auditioning for league officials.IRVING, Texas - Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne was put on injured reserve Saturday, four days after season-ending knee surgery.Dallas signed linebacker Keith Smith from its practice squad, and he is likely to play in his second game this season Sunday against Houston.Claiborne, the third-year deefensive back, injured his knee in the first quarter of last Sundays 38-21 home victory over the New Orleans Saints. Jorge Polanco Jersey. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft.Smith provides some depth at linebacker, with Bruce Carter out against the Texans because of a quadriceps strain. ' ' '