The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... With sub-freezing temperatures in Charlotte on Thursday, the Panthers practiced indoors at the Charlotte Convention Center. But that didn't stop Brown from wearing shoulder pads.

Diehards Line:Brown practiced for the first time since injuring his shoulder while diving for a pass in the end zone in last weekend's wild-card win against Arizona. Coaches and trainers wanted to see Brown in pads so they could have a better gauge of his range of motion. But Observer staffer Joseph Person reports the biggest test will come during the Panthers' walkthrough Friday in Seattle, where the team will evaluate how Brown's shoulder responds to contact, Ron Rivera said. If Brown is unable to play Saturday against the Seahawks, Rivera said No. 3 quarterback Joe Webb is an option to replace him. Webb, who played receiver at Minnesota last season, has one catch for the Panthers -- a 16-yarder at Philadelphia on Nov. 10.