Standing behind the rest of his linemates, Hartwig slowly practiced his footwork before the first drill of camp. Like a first timer at a dance class for couples, the 6 year NFL veteran stared down at his feet as he counted in his head, “1,2,3…”

Hartwig’s dry run tells you everything you need to know about this Panthers camp. Carolinas' center is one of a handful of key performers sticking their toes back into the unforgiving waters of the NFL, and no one really knows what to expect. (Click here to view photos from camp Sunday)

Dan Morgan, Mike Rucker, Travelle Wharton and Hartwig are all trying to come back from major injuries or major surgery. Hartwig says he’s ready after tearing a tendon loose from his pelvis. Wharton and Rucker are trying to return from reconstructive knee surgery. Morgan promises he doesn’t even think about one more concussion.

It all sounds great in camp, but I mentioned in my story for Sports Extra that many NFL coaches believe major knee injuries take a year and half to get back to your pre-injury level. Rucker is back on the practice field in six months.

That doesn’t mean anyone doubts Mike Rucker. But every athlete reaches a point where the mind and eyes see opportunity, but the body is no longer capable of delivering. Rucker will experience that soon if he hasn’t already. So will Wharton and maybe Hartwig and Morgan. Every team has question marks in training camp. The Panthers have more than their share.

More thoughts from the first workouts:

CB Ken Lucas looks like a man who’s trying too hard. Lucas wants to bounce back from a miserable year of questions about his effort and it showed early.

QB David Carr has an arm that jumps out, even on the NFL level. Carr’s back to a throwing motion that looks a lot more like his glory days at Fresno State and he can wing it.

Tackle Kris Jenkins has smiled a lot and joked with his teammates on the practice field. He did that at mini camp, too and then we didn’t see him for any of the other workouts at organized team activities. I’ve seen Jenkins on TV a bunch, but my first look up close is startling. He’s a rare, world class athlete, and he’s moved well early in camp.