CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Observations from the Carolina Panthers’ practice on Wednesday:
Back in action: Defensive end Charles Johnson (calf) and wide receiver Devin Funchess (hamstring) were on the field for a handful of plays during team drills. This was the first time for Johnson in team drills since the first week of camp and the first time for Funchess in a week. Both seemed to move well, but coach Ron Rivera wouldn’t commit to their status for Friday night’s preseason game against New England until he sees how they respond on Thursday. Rivera definitely wants to see Johnson take a few live snaps in at least one of the final two preseason games so his first live action isn’t in the opener as it was last year. And he wants Funchess on the field because he’s the best candidate to replace Kelvin Benjamin.
Star appears: Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei appeared at practice for the first time since early August when he suffered a stress reaction on his foot that was surgically repaired in January. He spent the entire practice riding a stationary bike on the side, a positive step. Rivera said Lotulelei remains on target to be ready for the Sept. 13 opener at Jacksonville.
Norman pick: Cornerback Josh Norman made a nice interception of backup quarterback Derek Anderson, but he was more impressive the way he avoided tripping over coolers as his momentum carried him through the sideline and onto the next field.
Kind of scary moment: Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen went to the ground after a collision with backup safety Marcus Ball inside the 20-yard line. Nobody was injured, but there are few players the Panthers can afford to suffer a freak accident more than Olsen.
Peanut punchless: After running back Brandon Wegher caught a short pass in the flats, cornerback Charles “Peanut’’ Tillman let the undrafted rookie know that in a real game he would have used his patented “Peanut Punch” to knock the ball loose.
Making an impression: Cornerback T.J. Heath made a nice interception of a Cam Newton pass in the end. Remember Heath? He was on the golf course in Alabama when the Panthers called him in for a tryout during training camp to replace an injured player. He has made several plays such as the one on Wednesday that will make him an interesting player when final cuts come.
Pencil in Ealy: Go ahead and pencil in 2014 second-round pick Kony Ealy as the starting right defensive end. He has started there the first two preseason games and was there again on Wednesday when Johnson returned to left end. On plays where it was an obvious passing situation Mario Addison made a few appearances at right end opposite Johnson. So it’s still not settled that Ealy can be the every-down end, but he’s close.