Carolina Panthers: Greg Olsen on track to return against Redskins

The Carolina Panthers look like they could be getting a former Pro Bowl tight end back for this weekend’s game against the Washington Redskins.

Last week, the Carolina Panthers got right guard Trai Turner and Curtis Samuel back and it looks like tight end Greg Olsen could be joining them on the field this week. The former Pro Bowl tight end went through his first full practice since suffering a broken foot in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.

This was the same foot that Olsen broke last year that cost him nine games. However, the recovery time will be cut nearly in half if he returns for this game, missing only four weeks.

The concern is that the chance of re-injury is very high and Olsen recently said, according to Joe Person of The Athletic, that he will likely need surgery after the season.

Prior to last season, Olsen was one of the best tight ends in the game as he had three straight 1,000 yard receiving seasons. It will be interesting to see how well Olsen moves, especially cutting on that foot, and how involved he will be in this offense or if the coaching staff will keep him on a snap count.

The other good news for the Panthers was that center Ryan Kalil was able to fully practice for the second time this week as he deals with a neck injury. The injury forced him to miss time against the New York Giants last week but it doesn’t appear it will be a long term concern.

The Panthers did have three players miss practice on Thursday as linebackers Jared Norris deals with a toe injury and Andre Smith deals with a hamstring. The new addition to today’s injury report was Damiere Byrd, who has an ankle injury, and sat out practice.

For the full injury report for the Carolina Panthers, click here.