Panthers' Davis to hand off

It wasn't exactly a concession speech, nor was it an official changing of the guard. But a proud running back stepped aside, admitting his understudy was the best man for the job.

Stephen Davis has vacated his throne as the centerpiece of the Carolina Panthers' offense, handing it over to DeShaun Foster. Although no official word came down from coach John Fox, Davis said Foster should be the starting running back Sunday when the Panthers host Tampa Bay.

''I'm pretty sure that's going to happen," Davis said. ''I've just got to stay positive about the whole situation and I'm happy for him. He deserves the opportunity."

Davis is still officially listed as the starter on the depth chart, but that's been a mere formality the past three weeks. Davis has just 16 carries for 39 yards, while Foster has been given the ball 54 times for 246 yards. So when Foster had a breakout game against Atlanta last week, running for 131 yards and a touchdown, Davis was ready to accept the inevitable.

''I'm a professional football player, and I'm going to be a professional about it," Davis said.

Meester done for year

Jacksonville Jaguars center Brad Meester, who has started a franchise-record 92 consecutive games, will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn left biceps. Dennis Norman will replace Meester Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts . . . Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson didn't practice because of bruised ribs but still plans to play in Sunday's home game against Miami . . . Indianapolis Colts safety Joseph Jefferson, who missed the last two games with soreness in his left knee, has been place on injured reserve and will be out for the rest of the season . . . Jets quarterback Jay Fiedler will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder . . . Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair sat out a second straight practice with a sore lower left leg, but coach Jeff Fisher said he expects him to play Sunday against Houston.