[vc_row no_margin=”true”][vc_column width=”1/1″]Even though Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei remains in a walking boot, the team is still planning for him to return by the start of the regular season.

19 days ahead of Week 1, coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday he has “no concern” about Lotulelei’s availability for the opener in Jacksonville.

“The key will be once he does get [the boot] off what his conditioning is. Again, we’re not going to try to expose a guy before he needs to be out there,” Rivera said. “So we’ll see, but everything in my understanding is right now he’s right on track.”

Lotulelei suffered a stress reaction three weeks ago, an injury that generally keeps players out 4-6 weeks. The plan was for him to stay in a walking boot throughout his recovery process, so as long as he has no setbacks, he still has a good chance to be on the field against the Jaguars.[line][vc_raw_html]

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