The Panthers' defensive line is suddenly coping with the loss of backup tackle Gary Gibson for the season, and the status of two starters, tackles Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu, is uncertain for Carolina's regular-season finale Sunday at New Orleans.

Until a 34-28 overtime loss last Sunday in which the New York Giants chewed up the Panthers with 301 yards rushing, no Carolina defensive starter had missed a game. In fact, except for the offensive line, which has held together well despite each starter missing at least one game because of injuries, health has been only a trifling issue for a team that has already clinched a playoff berth and can grab the NFC's No. 2 seed with a victory over the Saints.

And while the Giants' running game was last week's challenge to the Panthers, it's Saints quarterback Drew Brees who might present all kinds of problems for them in the Superdome. Brees leads the NFL's top-ranked offense, and he needs 402 passing yards to break Dan Marino's single-season record.

Kemoeatu, whose 6-foot-5, 345-pound frame has anchored the Panthers' run defense all season, missed the Giants game because of an Achilles tendon injury he suffered two weeks ago against the Denver Broncos. Lewis, who has started opposite Kemoeatu at the other tackle spot all season, left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter with a banged-up shoulder.

Darwin Walker started for Kemoeatu against the Giants. But Kemoeatu, who didn't practice Wednesday, said he expects to play against the Saints.

"I'm pretty close," Kemoeatu said. "As far as right now, I think I can go Sunday. I was probably 60 or 70 percent last week, but I'm in the 90s now and should be 100 percent by Sunday."

Kemoeatu was asked how a conversation with coach John Fox and the team's trainers might go Saturday, when they'll ask him how he's feeling and whether he can play.

"It's up to the coaches and trainer," Kemoeatu said, "but their decision is going to be based on how the ankle feels. The way I feel now is good. I'm looking to Sunday, and I want to play."

Lewis, however, wasn't so sure about his status.

"I guess it'll be fine," said Lewis, who also didn't practice Wednesday. "I'm getting a lot of treatment. It's yet to be determined if I'll play."

Lewis said he was caught between two Giants offensive linemen and stretched the ligaments in his left shoulder.

"I'm just working it out as much as I can," Lewis said. "I have no idea if I'll go this weekend."

If Lewis and Kemoeatu don't play against the Saints, their roster spots might be taken by two recent practice-squad players, rookie Nick Hayden, who has been with the Panthers all season, and J'Vonne Parker, signed Tuesday from Atlanta. Defensive end Hilee Taylor, who has missed three games with a thigh injury, is expected to play.

The Saints aren't a particularly dangerous running team, averaging 102.9 yards. But getting pressure on Brees will be a chore, whoever's in there for the Panthers. He has been sacked only 11 times.

"When it rains, it pours, that's what they say," Lewis said. "It'll pass. It happens."