Receiver Kelvin Benjamin has looked the part of a first-round pick ever since May’s draft, but going against your defense in practice is a lot different than facing one designed to take you out of a game.

Last week, the Panthers started pressing the rookie on the line a bit more, and they continue to slowly add other challenges.

“We’ve done some things to put him in situations where he’s being jammed, where he’s being pressed, where he’s being doubled, where he’s being rolled to,” Ron Rivera said.

“It’s probably a little different than what he experienced in college, but in this game, it really is a matter of how you handle it, and he’s done a pretty good job.”

Linebacker Chase Blackburn, who tweaked his back this week, will not play against the Chiefs. The 10-year veteran had an MRI Thursday, but it didn’t reveal any significant problems. Blackburn may have a problem getting his job back when he returns, though.

A.J. Klein has been threatening to take over the starting role at strongside linebacker, and if he plays well Sunday, he may stick there.

With Roman Harper sidelined indefinitely with turf toe, the assumption is Robert Lester will start at strong safety again on Sunday. But don’t be surprised to see Anderson Russell in there.

Russell has been spending a good amount of time with the ones lately, and the Panthers remain intrigued by the big-hitter.

“He’s earned an opportunity for us to take a closer look,” Ron Rivera said. “We’ll see how he handles it and whether he takes advantage of the situation.”

Russell, who played three games with both the Dolphins and Panthers in 2012, had a good chance to make last year’s roster. But he suffered an ankle injury in the preseason against the Ravens, and the Panthers waive/injured him during final cuts.

The 6-0, 200 Ohio State product lacks ideal size, but he hits like a bigger guy. And if he can continue to improve his technique, he could have a spot on the 53-man roster.

“I’m just glad to be back out here, and I’ve been working very hard to get back to the dream I’ve always wanted, to play in the NFL,” Russell said. “I have a great opportunity, so I’m trying to take full advantage of it.”

Cornerback Josh Norman continues to make a push to win back a starting role. The third-year player had at least one interception during team drills during both Thursday and Friday’s practices.

Norman, who had a pick in the preseason opener, could move up the depth chart with a strong game Sunday.

During a practice last month in Spartanburg, general manager Dave Gettleman was nearly pegged by a field goal attempt launched by the foot of kicker Graham Gano. Friday, Gettleman was almost taken out by one of the team’s most-imposing figures.

Tight end Brandon Williams caught a pass near the goal line, and his momentum carried him out of bounds, right to where Gettleman was standing. To his credit, he made a quick move to dodge a direct hit. Afterward, the relieved GM joked about the moment with the man they call “Swoll Bones.”