SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Panthers returned to the practice field Wednesday minus their most first-round draft pick, but head coach Ron Rivera didn't sound overly concerned about linebacker Shaq Thompson or another recent first-round pick.
Thompson sat out practice to rest the hamstring that bothered him during offseason training activities, while 2013 first-round selection Star Lotulelei missed the first of what is likely to be several practices since the defensive tackle was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right foot.
Rivera didn't rule out the possibility that Lotulelei could return in time for the Miami Dolphins' visit to training camp August 19-20.