The starters will get their most extensive work of the preseason when the Panthers host Washington Saturday night. Coach John Fox says the first team will play into the third quarter against the Redskins. Fox also says that rookie running back Jonathan Stewart will get his first work with the first unit. Stewart, the first-round pick out of Oregon, has been hounded by a nagging toe injury in the preseason. He saw his first game action last week against Philadelphia.

Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad returned to practice Thursday, but D.J. Hackett, Rune Robinson and Chris Harris remained sidelined. The Panthers have split their first two exhibition games and are coming off a loss to the Eagles. Washington has won all three of its preseason games. Kickoff Saturday is 7:30 at Bank of America Stadium.