If defensive end Greg Hardy’s excused absence from Wednesday’s practice was truly just a coincidence, it sure got local news stations in a tizzy for nothing.With controversy swirling around the NFL this week about Ravens running back Ray Rice and domestic violence, it was certainly curious when Hardy was a no-show. But while there was a larger crowd of reporters at head coach Ron Rivera’s weekly Wednesday press conference, the only news they received was Hardy’s “personal day” had nothing to do with any potential discipline that may be coming from the league.Rivera said Hardy will start Sunday against the Lions if, just like any player, he practices and performs like he needs to when he returns on Thursday. But for anyone hoping for something juicy to advance the story, the Panthers continued to echo the line they’ve been saying since late July.”We’re going through the process, and while we’re in the process, we’re not going to comment on the situation,” Rivera said.The Panthers realize there’s a dark cloud hanging above them, but until Hardy’s legal situation is resolved, there’s not much they can do. The league doesn’t want the team to act before the process plays out, but there’s a chance that stance could change eventually.For now, despite growing pressure on the NFL to act tougher in cases that involve domestic violence, the Panthers are trying to focus on what they can control.”I’m trying not to bury it, I’m trying not to hide from it as far as dealing with the players. I’m trying to make sure they understand the serious nature of what’s happening,” Rivera said. “But at the same time, we do have a job that we have to do as well.”