After missing the past four practices with back spasms, All-Pro tight end Greg Olsen could still see playing time Friday against the New England Patriots if all goes well.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday that Olsen could be suited up for Friday night's exhibition if Olsen's back continues to heal.
"Well, if he's ready to go he will," Rivera said after practice. "We've got to make sure everything's OK. If he can get through these next couple days of practice he'll get an opportunity to get on the football field and do some things.
"Everything we do has got to culminate in getting ready to play Denver on Thursday (Sept. 8)."
The starters are expected to play until at least halftime Friday, though it's unclear how much Olsen would play coming off the injury.
Trying to get the spasms to settle, Olsen was absent from the previous three practices. Last week the Panthers sent him for an MRI, which only revealed the spasms.
Olsen has worked on the practice field on Carolina's off days, but Monday was his first day at a practice since training camp broke in Spartanburg. He did individual work on the side, but never joined the team for drills.
"(Monday) was one of those 'check and see how he is in the morning' and continue to do the rehab," Rivera said. "Hopefully he'll be back in pads (Tuesday)."
