[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″]After their most painful preseason in recent memory, the Carolina Panthers have nine days to get a number of key players healthy for the season opener in Jacksonville.

Some could practice Sunday. Others may return Wednesday, at the earliest.

• WR Jerricho Cotchery (groin): Tweaked groin vs. Patriots; coach Ron Rivera said last week he expects Cotchery to play in Week 1.

• TE/FB Richie Brockel (shoulder): Hasn’t been on field since suffering injury in second quarter against Dolphins.

• C Ryan Kalil (knee): Like Brockel, hasn’t even appeared outside during a practice after spraining knee against Miami; said after Patriots game he’d play vs. Jaguars.

• C Brian Folkerts (ankle): Could head to IR while Panthers scour cuts for backup C.

• DE Charles Johnson (calf, trap): Stayed home while team was in Pittsburgh to rehab for Week 1.

• DT Star Lotulelei (foot): Both Rivera and GM Dave Gettleman have said Lotulelei is on pace to play next Sunday.

• CB Josh Norman (concussion): Now in concussion protocol after taking a shot to the head on the second play in Pittsburgh; missed two games last year after suffering a concussion in Week 5.

• CB Charles Tillman (concussion): Carolina’s other starting CB had been in protocol since suffering a concussion in the first quarter against the Patriots.

• CB Teddy Williams (groin): Left Thursday’s game shortly after Norman.

• DB Colin Jones (groin): After fears he may be done for the season, practiced Tuesday and was then held out against the Steelers.

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