Hunter Smith said his groin injury is "feeling better" but his availability for Sunday's game in Carolina won't be determined until later in the week.
"Hunter is coming along," Jim Zorn said. "It's sore. It's not drastically pulled, but I want to make sure that it's strong. I don't want it to keep re-occurring.
"So we have to work though how Hunter feels. He has been at it a long time and I think he'll know when he's ready."
If Smith is unable to play, then the Redskins would likely sign practice squad pickup Glenn Pakulak to the roster for the Panthers game.
Pakulak, a left-footed punter, made his Redskins practice debut on Wednesday amid windy conditions in Ashburn, Va.
Pakulak knows his time with the Redskins could be short, depending on how fast Smith recovers.
"I bring a big, strong, left footed leg and a lot of resiliency," he said. "I have faced a lot of adversity in my career, waiting to get that shot and prove to people I can do this--and hopefully do it at a high level."
Smith has never missed a game in his 11-year NFL career. He hopes to keep his consecutive game streak alive.
"If you look at the careers or NFL players, everyone misses games," he said. "Even in my position, a lot of guys miss games. It is a blessing to have played so long without missing one. If I do have to miss one, then hopefully it's the only one."
-- CAROLINA BYE
Carolina, at 0-3, last played on Sept. 28 against Dallas on Monday Night Football on Sept. 28. The Panthers lost that game 21-7.
Carolina had a bye last week. That means they have had two weeks to prepare for the Redskins.
"It gives them an opportunity to relax, take a deep breath, see the things they have done in the first three weeks and where they can improve their play," Jason Campbell said. "
Added Antwaan Randle El: "It's a big difference, a big advantage. We know we're going to see some new wrinkle, something they have not shown. So we have to be on our toes."
-- CAMPBELL CONFIDENT IN KELLY
Since catching four catches for 41 yards in Week 2, Malcolm Kelly has had just one reception in the last two games.
Jason Campbell and Kelly continue to work on their on-field rapport.
"We are still learning some things to create separation," Campbell said. "He is still working on techniques. I feel confident throwing him the ball and the day is going to come when he has big catches and big games.
"We just have to continue pushing him so he can understand it's all a process."
-- MONTGOMERY STILL OUT
Anthony Montgomery watched Redskins practice from the sidelines as he continues to rest a knee injury.
Montgomery has not played a game so far this season.
Cornelius Griffin was limited in practice due to an elbow injury.
