CHARLOTTE — Wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who sat out Sunday's loss to the Bears with a knee injury, was limited during Wednesday's first practice of the week ahead of Carolina's trip to New Orleans.
Head coach Matt Rhule considers Samuel day-to-day. He was limited for all three days of practice last week before being declared inactive.
"We'll see how he responds tomorrow, how he feels," Rhule said. "I think the thing with Curtis is we're not going to rush him. If he can go, great, but if not, we have a lot of confidence in the other guys."
Samuel has totaled 246 yards from scrimmage on 34 touches and is tied for third in the league with 11 receptions on third down.
Cornerback Donte Jackson (toe), defensive tackle Zach Kerr (toe), and right guard John Miller (ankle) were also limited Wednesday.
Running back Mike Davis (ankle) was in a green jersey at practice but was listed as a full participant. He had to go to the sideline to get his left ankle re-taped at one point during Sunday's game.
Cornerback Eli Apple (hamstring) and running back Trenton Cannon (neck) were full participants, too.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Panthers placed offensive lineman Trent Scott and kicker Joey Slye on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Rhule said the Panthers would monitor the kicking situation for the rest of the week.
"We have a couple things lined up as possibilities," Rhule said.
Running back Christian McCaffrey is eligible to return from the reserve/injured list, but Rhule doesn't anticipate that happening this week.
Wide receiver Keith Kirkwood is unlikely to return this season after re-injuring his clavicle during a special teams play late in the loss to Chicago. Kirkwood had just been activated off IR after recovering from his first clavicle injury. He played 35 offensive snaps and five special teams snaps, making one catch for 13 yards.
"Heartbroken for him," Rhule said. "Got in the game and did some really great things for us, so for him to get hurt, I know it crushed him, it crushed me."
Safety Juston Burris, however, does have a chance to return from IR this season with his ribs' injury. Rhule did not name Sam Franklin Jr. the starter in Burris' place, but the undrafted rookie could see a larger role. Franklin played 23 defensive snaps on Sunday.
"I wake up every morning and remind myself this is a blessing, that I'm lucky to even have an opportunity to step on the field," Franklin said. "I just think about where I came from and where I want to go. Those two things keep me level-headed and humble."
You can view the entire Wednesday injury report by clicking here.
View practice photos from a sunny, warm day in Charlotte as the Panthers prepare to take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.