The Panthers were so short on defensive ends at practice this week that they used defensive tackles and linebackers to fill in for missing players.
It doesn’t look like they’ll have to go to such extremes on Sunday. Defensive end Charles Johnson returned to practice on Friday after missing time with a hip flexor injury and coach Ron Rivera said that the team expected Johnson to be in the lineup after listing him as probable.
“He had a good day, practiced, took all the reps. In fact, he took more than we wanted. I got a little upset with him,” Rivera said, via the Charlotte Observer. “He wants to get in and get his reps. He looked good, so hopefully that maintains.”
Johnson will join Mario Addison, Wes Horton and Kony Ealy at defensive end on Sunday as the Panthers try to snap a two-game losing streak against the Bears.