Saints take 7-3 lead in 1st Q

New Orleans just capitalized on a Panther fumble with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Jeremy Shockey, giving the Saints a 7-3 lead with 2:28 left in the first quarter.

Shockey was hurt on the play, when Carolina played zone coverage and safety Charles Godfrey played too deep, allowing Shockey to get in front of him just over the goal line. It was Shockey's 500th career reception. Carolina only rushed three on the play.

Meanwhile, Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart left the game after taking a huge hit from Saints safety Darren Sharper at his own 27. Stewart also fumbled on the play -- New Orleans successfully determined that with a challenge -- and the Saints recovered.

If Stewart doesn't return -- he has a head injury and is deemed "questionable" -- Mike Goodson will be the Panthers' top running back the rest of the game and will be spelled by Tyrell Sutton. DeAngelo Williams is already out with a foot injury.