CHARLOTTE, N.C. - It's been 10 months since Stephen Davis last played in a football game, long enough for Carolina's running back to begin feeling a little antsy.

Davis will make his preseason debut tonight against the Pittsburgh Steelers, finally getting a chance to test his surgically repaired right knee.

After playing in just two games last season, then sitting out most of training camp while the Panthers took a cautious approach to his recovery, the typically reserved Davis admitted he can't wait to play again.

"I'm a calm person. I'm so laid-back, it's ridiculous," Davis said. "But, you know, it's been 10 months. It's been a long 10 months. So it's going to be exciting to be back out there on the field. It's going to be very exciting to be on the field with the guys and playing again."

That was a rare burst of emotion from Davis, who has tried had to remain even-tempered the past year. He did his best to hide his frustration when doctors couldn't figure out why his knee would swell after every practice, and he bottled up the disappointment he felt when told he needed career-threatening microfracture surgery.

But he's struggling to contain his excitement, even though he knows he can't rush his comeback.

"I still have to take things one day at a time and go out there and get better," he said. "I want to get some contact and do everything I can to help the team win."

Carolina coach John Fox has said he won't play his starters very long against the Steelers, possibly only keeping them on the field for one series. Davis could be the exception.

"We are anticipating he'll play some," Fox said. "It will be a feel thing. I think it will be safe to say it will be at least one (carry) and under 20."

The Panthers want to get an extended look at Davis - without risking injury - to get a feel for the depth they have at running back. DeShaun Foster is back after missing most of last season with a broken collarbone and rookie Eric Shelton can also figure into the mix.

Carolina also has Nick Goings, a former sixth-stringer who was exceptional was forced into a starting role last season because of injury, and Rod Smart is battling for a roster position after returning from a knee injury.

The Steelers aren't nearly as deep - at least right now.

Duce Staley has missed almost all of training camp with a knee injury, and Jerome Bettis is sidelined after injuring his calf last week against Washington. It means the Steelers will likely have to start second-year tailback Willie Parker in their season opener.

Not wanting to risk another injury, the Steelers aren't planning to use Parker against the Panthers. The decision was disappointing for Parker, who wanted a chance to play in front of the friends and family members.

"I shelled out a lot of money for tickets for this game," griped Parker, who carried the ball 84 times in four collegiate seasons at North Carolina.

Like the Panthers, Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher plans on limiting his starters to just one quarter of play even though the Steelers' offense has struggled this preseason.

The first team has yet to score a touchdown in three games, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has struggled to find a rhythm.

"I just know right now, we are not where we need to be," Cowher said. "We need to work it out in practice. For whatever reason, we missed a lot of opportunities.

"Right now the passing game is not in sync and that's the bottom line."

Part of Roethlisberger's struggles stem from a shaky receiving corps: Plaxico Burress left as a free agent to play for the New York Giants, and Hines Ward missed a chunk of training camp after holding out for two weeks.

But Roethlisberger said everything will be fine, despite two preseason interceptions, numerous overthrown passes and a good amount of dropped balls.

"I know the receivers are starting to feel good with me, and the line's getting comfortable with me," he said. "We're one or two plays away from really making things happen."