The Panthers expected to have wide receiver Steve Smith and running back Jonathan Stewart at practice on Wednesday and those expectations were realized.
Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports that Smith and Stewart both practiced as the Panthers had everyone on the field ahead of Sunday’s game against the 49ers. Both players appear to be on track to play in that contest.
Coach Ron Rivera said after practice that Smith “wasn’t that limited” during the workout. Smith said earlier this week he would play, although he allowed for some doubt about his knee’s ability to hold up through the entire game. Stewart said after practice that his knee is feeling good and that he expects to be in the lineup for Carolina’s first playoff game since the Panthers lost to the Cardinals after the 2008 season.
Defensive end Greg Hardy, who was sick on Monday, joined Stewart and Smith on the field. Defensive tackle Colin Cole, tight end Ben Hartsock and safety Quintin Mikell also returned to work after missing Monday’s practice.