CHARLOTTE – Wide receiver Devin Funchess and left tackle Matt Kalil took steps forward in terms of practice participation Friday, and the Panthers hope that right guard Trai Turner can take the final step to clear the concussion protocol in advance of Sunday's wild card game at the New Orleans Saints.
Head coach Ron Rivera said that Turner, who fully participated in practice all week, is set to see an independent doctor – the final phase of the protocol – in hopes of being cleared after a three-game absence.
Turner, Funchess (shoulder) and Kalil (illness) are all officially listed as questionable along with backup quarterback Derek Anderson, who was sent home Friday with the same illness that sidelined Kalil on Thursday.