For the third time in four years, the Panthers will not be participating in postseason play.

That meant that instead of preparing for a game Monday, the team was cleaning out lockers and saying farewells. This article from the Panthers' official site captures the mood of the locker room as it was cleared out and also brings updates on the Julius Peppers situation and some key injuries. You also can check out this Panthers Insider video, which shows the team clearing out and talking about this season ending and another beginning.

Tackle Jordan Gross, who spent the last month and a half on IR, is just one Panther looking ahead to next season.