Barrett can also cover physical tight ends. He did well against Kansas City's Tony Gonzalez last week. Barrett is big and runs well for his size. He is inexperienced -- he was signed off the practice squad three weeks ago -- but he has the physical ability to be a playmaker.

PLAYER NOTES

--DE Jarvis Moss has gone five games without a sack since getting a pair against Miami. He plays a lot in passing situations and if he could get hot late in the season, it would help Denver's pass defense.

--C Casey Wiegmann has been a savior for the Broncos' line. He was signed in the offseason and became very valuable when the Broncos lost Tom Nalen for the season because of knee problems. The durable Wiegmann hasn't missed a snap since the start of the 2001 season.

--TE Daniel Graham continues to play well in the passing game. He has nine catches in his last two games and his confidence appears to be growing. He already has as many catches as he did last season and more yards and touchdowns.

--WR Darrell Jackson hasn't had a big role this season but had a pair of catches in Denver's last game. If Brandon Stokley misses Sunday's game or is limited, Jackson's playing time will increase.

--G Pat Murray was signed off of Seattle's practice squad. Murray was out of football last season after being cut by the Packers before the start of the regular season.

GAME PLAN: This game will feature two offenses with distinctly opposite approaches. The Broncos are very thin at tailback and will rely on the passing game. Tampa Bay moved the ball well passing against the Panthers in Carolina's last game, and the Broncos could use plenty of three-receiver sets or move tight end Tony Scheffler around to create mismatches.

Carolina might be more balanced than the Broncos, but their goal will be to run the ball with their talented tailbacks. The Panthers' offensive line is playing well and the Broncos' front line will have to be physical with them. Denver will also have to beware of Steve Smith, Carolina's biggest playmaker when they do pass the ball.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Panthers WR Steve Smith vs. Broncos CB Dre Bly. Bly matched up against Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe last week and could do the same with Smith this week. A lot will depend on cornerback Champ Bailey's health. If he plays, the Broncos might avoid moving Bailey around to match up with the dangerous Smith. Bailey hasn't played since Oct. 20. Bly has played well in the last month as the top cornerback in Bailey's absence but will have his hands full with Smith, who is coming off a big game against the Buccaneers.

Broncos OT Ryan Clady vs. Panthers DE Julius Peppers. Clady hasn't become a popular name as a rookie like Cleveland's Joe Thomas was last year, but he has been just as good. Clady hasn't allowed a full sack all season. He has gone up against top rushers like Miami's Joey Porter and Atlanta's John Abraham and shut them out. Peppers has 12.5 sacks this season.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Champ Bailey was limited again in practice Wednesday because of a groin injury. The Broncos say they will have him run at full speed later in the week, then determine if he can play Sunday.

RB Selvin Young went through a full practice Wednesday. He has told coaches he feels like he can play, and he might return from a groin injury this week.

WR Brandon Stokley missed practice Wednesday with a bruised heel. The Broncos hope he can practice Thursday, but Stokley admitted he doesn't know if he will play this week.

FB Spencer Larsen was out of practice Wednesday with a groin injury. He will be monitored by the Broncos this week.

LB D.J. Williams went through a full practice Wednesday and could return from a knee injury if he doesn't have a setback.

S Marlon McCree appears set to return from an ankle injury, but he has missed more than a month and the Broncos are unsure how big of a role he'll have in his first game back.

TE Chad Mustard was limited Wednesday because of a knee injury. The Broncos signed Jeb Putzier for tight end depth.

LB Mario Haggan was limited in practice Wednesday, but there have been no indications his knee injury is serious enough to keep him out of this week's game.

CB Karl Paymah has a groin injury and was limited Wednesday, but should be able to play this week.