CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The good news for the Steelers last night: No starter was hurt.

Even better news: The preseason ended.

Starters barely worked up a sweat in the fifth and final preseason game that was delayed 20 minutes by a threatened thunderstorm that never really arrived -- but at least the regular season will come a week from Sunday.

For those insisting on keeping score, the Steelers beat the Carolina Panthers, 19-3. That gave Mike Tomlin a 4-1 record in his first preseason as coach of the Steelers. It was the first time they won four preseason games since they went 5-0 in 1997 and only the second time in the past 24 years. The Steelers lost all four of their games last preseason, then won only two of their first eight regular season games as they fumbled away defense of their Super Bowl.

Jeff Reed kicked four short field goals for the Steelers and safety Tyrone Carter intercepted a pass and returned it 32 yards for the game's only touchdown with 1:04 left.

Jeff Reed kicked two third-quarter field goals to give the Steelers a 9-3 lead last night as their game against the Carolina Panthers entered the fourth quarter.

Reed's kicks came from 34 and 31 yards out.

Kasay kicked a 31-yard field goal for Carolina early in the second quarter and Jeff Reed responded for the Steelers by kicking a 32-yard field goal with 7:12 left. The first half of the game ended tied 3-3.

Both teams played their first teams only briefly. The Steelers' offense played only one series and its defense two. Halfback Willie Parker started the game, but came out after the first play without carrying the ball.

Hines Ward, who had surgery Tuesday to repair his broken nose, did not play for the Steelers in their preseason finale.

Ward's nose was broken last Sunday in a game against Philadelphia.

Also not suiting up for the Steelers are tight ends Heath Miller (shoulder) and Jerame Tuman (back) and defensive end Travis Kirschke (back).