The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Carolina running back Stephen Davis worked out Friday, but nobody got to see it - Panthers coach John Fox closed practice for the first time all season.

Fox also did not reveal much when discussing Davis' status for the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

"He looked fine," the coach offered.

Was he able to participate in all the drills?

"Uh-huh," Fox mumbled.

Davis, the Panthers' workhorse tailback who rushed for a career-best 1,444 yards this season, had been held out of practice all week because of a strained left quadriceps. He was injured in the second half of Carolina's playoff victory over St. Louis on a 64-yard run.

Fox reiterated that Davis' playing status will be a game-time decision.

If Davis can't go, second-year back DeShaun Foster will start at running back.

EAGLES: N.D. Kalu left practice because of a sprained foot, but coach Andy Reid is optimistic the starting defensive end will be able to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game. Kalu turned his foot during warmups, though X-rays showed no damage.

"He should be fine," Reid said. "By the time he got to the X-ray unit, he was feeling better than when he initially started going there."

Kalu has 5.5 sacks and 74 tackles for the Eagles and gives them a steady presence on the pass rush.

Marco Coleman and starting defensive tackle Darwin Walker took some of Kalu's reps, Reid said.

• Cornerback Troy Vincent had more reason for optimism when he was cleared to start against Carolina on Sunday after missing the last three games with a hip injury. Vincent practiced all week and said the hip no longer caused enough pain to prevent him from playing at full speed.

"It feels awfully good," Vincent said. "Last week was difficult for me. I needed that one week rest. I felt fine the entire week of practice."

COLTS: Wide receiver Brandon Stokley practiced Friday and plans on making the trip to play against New England. But coach Tony Dungy said Stokley would leave the team if he needs to be with his hospitalized infant son.

Stokley missed practice Wednesday and Thursday morning after his month-old son, Cameron, was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness. He practiced for about an hour Thursday.

"He is planning on playing, as long as Cameron doesn't have any downturns," Dungy said.

PACKERS: Green Bay fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. The 46-year-old Donatell, a 14-year NFL coaching veteran, served as defensive coordinator since 2000.

"I didn't see it coming," Donatell said. "As far as coaching, I had a great time, a blast."

Tight ends coach Jeff Jagodzinski also was fired.

BILLS: Coach Mike Mularkey is retaining defensive coordinator Jerry Gray for his coaching staff. Under Gray, the Bills ranked second in defense this season and allowed the fifth-fewest points per game.

BUCCANEERS: Tampa Bay hired former Bears offensive coordinator John Shoop as quarterbacks coach and Kyle Shanahan, son of Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan, as offensive quality control coach.

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