CHARLOTTE – Center Ryan Kalil, linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive tackle Vernon Butler – all of whom missed last week's game against the Rams – appear to be making progress toward a return.

Kalil was held out of the game with a shoulder injury. He was at practice on Wednesday but did not participate.

"He was trying to battle through it," Rivera in reference to the decision to make Kalil inactive at Los Angeles. "Just felt that going forward it's more important that we made sure we were being smart."

Thompson, who missed the game with a knee injury, did not participate Wednesday but worked out extensively with the athletic training staff.

"He's looking pretty good," Rivera said. "It's important when you go through that intensive workout, it's always about how the leg reacts. If he's fine in the morning, we may get him on the field."

Butler, who has missed the last five games with an ankle injury, is also getting closer to full strength.

"Yes. He did a lot of stuff off to the side – a lot more than he did last week," Rivera said. "Hopefully he'll react very well to the stuff the trainers did with him on the side, and maybe we'll get him back tomorrow. We'll keep our fingers crossed."