Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen returns to practice on Thursday

The Carolina Panthers could have a former Pro Bowl tight end back sooner rather than later.

The injury report for the Carolina Panthers was almost all good news as the team had no players miss Thursday’s practice. That even includes tight end Greg Olsen, who practiced on a limited basis.

The former Pro Bowl tight end broke his foot in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys. This was the same foot that forced him to miss nine games last year. However, this time around there was some optimism that it wouldn’t be as long.

Last week, Olsen said he was ‘way ahead of the curve‘ in terms of his recovery from last season to this season. While it was good to see him on the practice field, it would make sense that the team is cautious with getting Olsen back on the field on Sundays.

A likely scenario for Olsen, would be to return next week against the Washington Redskins as long as there are no set backs.

The good news yesterday was that right guard Trai Turner and wide receiver Curtis Samuel were full participants. Turner had missed the past two games due to a concussion while Samuel has yet to play this year due to a medical procedure.

Both players were full participants again on Thursday and should be in line to return against the New York Giants. This should be a big boost for this offense and especially the offensive line. There is no question that Turner is the team’s best offensive lineman and this group has been hit hard by injuries this year.

The only other Carolina Panthers on the injury report were Vernon Butler (shoulder), Damiere Byrd (knee) and Julius Peppers (rest) but all three were full participants on Thursday.

For the full injury report for the Carolina Panthers, as well as the New York Giants, click here.