CHARLOTTE — The Panthers got at least one of their wide receivers back on the field in some capacity Thursday. But they added a couple of offensive linemen to the report.
Return man/reserve wideout Alex Erickson (concussion) was back on the field in a limited capacity Thursday. He was out Wednesday.
Erickson was wearing a green jersey, which represents another step in their return to play protocol.
Getting him back would be significant, since they're looking at multiple options to backfill the roster this week.
With Brandon Zylstra going on injured reserve Tuesday and Terrace Marshall Jr. (concussion) not participating for a second straight day, they're down to three healthy wideouts on the active roster (DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, and rookie Shi Smith).
They have four receivers on the practice squad they could elevate this week if need be — Keith Kirkwood, Aaron Parker, C.J. Saunders, and Matt Cole. Since those four come with different skill sets, which one gets activated will depend on who's healthy (e.g. Saunders is more of a returner, if they need one).
Left tackle Cameron Erving was added to the report Thursday, as a limited participant with a neck issue. He missed the Eagles game for a similar problem, but returned last week. Center Matt Paradis (knee) was also added to the report as a full participant.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson (foot) and fullback Giovanni Ricci (concussion) were also out Thursday, same as the day before.
Outside linebacker Frankie Luvu (biceps) was again limited Thursday, still wearing his green jersey. Cornerback CJ Henderson (shoulder) was again a full participant.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore continued to do limited work, as he works back in his first full week of football drills since last December.
He's on the reserve/physically unable to perform list and hasn't been activated yet, but could be at any point this week. Even if he plays this week, it's expected to be in a reduced capacity.
