Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Russell Okung both returned to practice Wednesday.
Sidelined since Week 2 with a right high-ankle sprain, McCaffrey looked sharp in his first practice in pads, Panthers coach Matt Rhule said. The Panthers designated McCaffrey for return from injured reserve last week.
Rhule said he’s “very hopeful” McCaffrey will be able to play Sunday at Kansas City but added the team will see how his body responds Thursday.
“He looked like Christian,” Rhule told reporters. “He looked good. He looked sharp.”
Okung was officially listed as limited participant after missing last week’s game with a calf injury. He last played in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints.
McCaffrey, 24, who racked up more than 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving in 2019, rushed for 156 yards and four touchdowns and caught seven passes for 67 yards in Carolina’s first two games.
A first-round pick (eighth overall) in 2017, McCaffrey has gained 5,666 yards from scrimmage and scored 43 TDs in 50 career games.
