[vc_row no_margin=”true”][vc_column width=”1/1″]While most players and fans would be willing to scrap the rest of the preseason schedule, defensive end Charles Johnson wants to play in one of the Carolina Panthers’ final two exhibitions.

Johnson, who sat out games against Buffalo and Miami with a strained calf, added to his workload Wednesday. He participated in team drills for the first time since he was carted off near the end of a practice in Spartanburg 17 days ago.

When asked when he felt he’d next appear in a game, Johnson said: “I don’t know. For sure, Jacksonville.”

While his confidence for Week 1 is good news for the Panthers, he added he’d like to play either Friday night against the Patriots or in next week’s preseason finale in Pittsburgh.

“I don’t want my first time on the field to be against Jacksonville,” Johnson said.

It’s not like a nine-year veteran needs preseason experience, so the Panthers won’t rush him back. But if trainers feel he’s ready to go, they may let Johnson get in a few hits.

“That’s an important element. You don’t want the first live contact to be the opener, and, unfortunately, that’s what we had last year with Charles,” coach Ron Rivera said. 

“We want to make sure he’s ready to roll because he’s such an important part of what we do defensively. So getting him some reps, whether it be this weekend, or next Thursday is going to be very important.”

Johnson did face the Chiefs in the Panthers’ second preseason game last year, but he missed the other three with a sore hamstring. He then went through the first month of the regular season without a sack.

Also Wednesday, receiver Devin Funchess advanced at the same pace as Johnson. Funchess, who tweaked his hamstring a week ago, went through team drills a day after he was limited to group work. If he plays Friday, he likely won’t start, but it will be a chance for the rookie to catch up on lost time.

“Every time you have a little tweak, it always messes with your head,” Funchess said. “So you’ve got to stay level, not get too frustrated and just get back on the field.”[line][vc_raw_html]

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