Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers coach Ron Rivera says he expects starting defensive tackle Star Lotulelei to be back on the field for the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The former first-round draft pick has missed most of training camp and both preseason games with a stress reaction in his right foot.
For now, he remains in a boot and continues to be held out of practice. Lotulelei broke the same foot in practice last January causing him to miss Carolina's NFC division round playoff game against Seattle.
Lotulelei's role with the Panthers is to occupy double teams up front and allow linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis to run to the ball and make plays.
Defensive end Charles Johnson (calf) and wide receiver Devin Funchess (hamstring) also did not practice Tuesday.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.