The Carolina Panthers activated defensive end Charles Johnson off the injured reserve/designated for return list on Tuesday, as planned.
With Johnson joining NFL active sack leader Jared Allen and the red hot Kony Ealy on the roster, it's unclear who will start against the Cowboys. That ultimately doesn't matter much since all three guys will be in a rotation.
Coach Ron Rivera said the plan it to limit Johnson to 30 snaps in his first game since September.
"I thought I could [come back earlier], but at the same time, this eight weeks helped me get my legs stronger. I feel like I'm 100 percent now, so hopefully I'll go full speed," Johnson said.
"I'm just ready to hit so I can release some pressure. I haven't hit nobody, I haven't touched the field, I haven't done nothing. Once I get that out of my system, I'll be all right."
TUESDAY'S INJURY REPORTS
PANTHERS
Did Not Practice
DT Dwan Edwards (ankle): When asked if Edwards had a setback, Rivera said: "No. No, no, no. With that ankle, we want to give him two full days of rest and then get him back out there tomorrow morning.
G Amini Silatolu (knee): Headed for injured reserve after tearing his ACL against the Redskins.
Limited
WR Corey Brown (shoulder): Went through install during the portion of practice open to the media. Certainly has a shot to face the Cowboys.
LS J.J. Jansen (head): This could be a sneaky problem.
CB Charles Tillman (knee): Upgraded to limited, but Rivera didn't sound optimistic about Tillman's chances this week.
Full
WR Ted Ginn (knee)
G Andrew Norwell (hamstring): Ready to return. "It feels great. All the rehab I was doing paid off," Norwell said. "It's 100 percent and ready to go."
COWBOYS
Did Not Practice
CB Morris Claiborne (hamstring/ankle)
DE Ryan Russell (abdomen)
Limited
WR Dez Bryant (foot/knee)
CB Brandon Carr (shoulder)
RB Darren McFadden (groin)
QB Tony Romo (back/shoulder)
OLB Kyle Wilber (toe)
SS Jeff Heath (shoulder)
Full
WR Brice Butler (hamstring)
SS Barry Church (ankle)
DT Nick Hayden (ankle)
MLB Anthony Hitchens (ankle)
DE DeMarcus Lawrence (back)
MLB Rolando McClain (foot)