The Panthers are back on the practice field Wednesday for the first time since becoming NFC champions with last Sunday’s victory over the Cardinals, although they had several players sitting out the first session of preparation for Super Bowl 50.
According to multiple reports from Charlotte, running backs Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert were among those on the sideline. Stewart dealt with a foot injury at the end of the season and hurt his ankle against the Seahawks in the divisional round, but was effective against Arizona and is expected to be in the lineup a week from Sunday.
Tolbert had his knee checked out on Monday and there hasn’t been any indication that the Panthers will have to play without him. Center Ryan Kalil is also dealing with a knee issue that coach Ron Rivera showed little concern about when talking to the media this week. Linebacker Thomas Davis sat out as well as he waits for his broken and surgically repaired arm to heal.
Defensive end Jared Allen and safety Roman Harper were dressed for practice. Allen didn’t play against the Cardinals after breaking a bone in his foot while Harper left the game early after hurting his eye.