After a Thursday night loss at Pittsburgh and a long weekend, the Carolina Panthers returned to practice Tuesday morning minus a couple of starters.
Defensive end Julius Peppers and center Ryan Kalil both had veteran days, head coach Ron Rivera confirmed.
Cornerback James Bradberry was also absent because of an illness, Rivera said. The team is not required to issue a formal injury report until Wednesday.
Receiver Torrey Smith, who has missed practice since injuring his knee in Week 7, has been running on a treadmill and said in the locker room that he’s optimistic about his progress and chances to return to the field.