Pitt receivers coach Bryan Bossard knows he has a good group of players, he's just not quite sure what his rotation will be once the season begins.

That's a much different outlook than he had going into the spring when it appeared the Panthers would have five experienced veterans to handle the bulk of the work and perhaps one or two talented freshmen to fill in as needed

But sophomore Maurice Williams transferred after being declared ineligible in the summer, and senior Derek Kinder's progress from anterior cruciate ligament surgery has been a little slower than coaches had hoped and he has yet to fully participate in contact drills. Then junior T.J. Porter suffered a nagging turf toe injury on the first day of training camp and has not been able to participate in all the drills.

So now there are only two experienced receivers, redshirt juniors Oderick Turner and Cedric McGee, who are able to go full speed at camp, and a position of strength could became an area of concern.

Bossard isn't worried yet because there are still three weeks before the season and he believes Kinder and Porter will be healthy by then. And he also has some talented freshmen -- Aundre Wright and Jonathan Baldwin in particular -- who are making a strong case for playing time as they take advantage of their increased reps.

"I feel very good with the older four guys," Bossard said. "They've been in battles and played in games. Right now I am trying to get Derek back into it, he is getting smoother and we're just trying to be smart with him. But beyond that -- Aundre has stepped his game up. He's playing faster now and he's been impressive. And Jonathan Baldwin is a talent. He is big, fast and strong, he's got great upside, but he has a lot to learn and that's my job, to teach him."

Bossard said redshirt freshman Aaron Smith also is in the mix but needs to become more consistent. The two other players in the group, freshmen Cameron Saddler and Mike Shanahan, have shown some flashes thus far.

All three will get a chance to make a move today when the Panthers have their first camp scrimmage.

Wright will be a slot receiver and Baldwin, with the speed and height to be a big-play threat, will be used more on the outside.

With those two in the group and a healthy Porter and Kinder, the Panthers would have a six-man rotation with a good mix of speed (Wright), physical toughness (Kinder, McGee), size (Baldwin, Turner) and athleticism.

"Take a look at what we have and it is a luxury," Bossard said. "And these guys know -- I'll play the best guys. I can make choices because we have so many good players, and to me it is all about productivity. I don't care if you are a freshman or a senior, the best guys will play."

NOTES -- The Panthers got a scare yesterday when starting quarterback Bill Stull was barreled into by right tackle Joe Thomas who was bull-rushed by defensive end Jabaal Sheard and laid on the turf with a rib injury. Coaches and players alike were relieved to see Stull return later and finish practice. "He had gotten elbowed in the ribs earlier but he's fine," Wannstedt said. "Billy's a tough guy, he's a street guy, a Pittsburgh guy." ... The play highlighted the fact that play at the right tackle needs to improve. "We've talked about it -- both of our tackles are a concern," Wannstedt said. "But [right tackle] is wide open right now." ... Defensive end Doug Fulmer (knee) missed practice yesterday and likely will be out a few more days. He had an MRI on his left knee yesterday. Fulmer, trying to come back from a right ACL injury, twisted his left knee in practice Sunday. ... Linebacker Max Gruder and cornerback Buddy Jackson were limited with undisclosed injuries. ... Wannstedt said yesterday that Stull and Pat Bostick have "separated themselves" from the rest of the quarterbacks and the competition for the starting job has become a two-man race with Stull clearly in the lead. ... The Panthers' first scrimmage will be closed to the public. Wannstedt said each player will get about 25 plays.