NFL teams
David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Benjamin practices, still questionable

NFL, Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin returned to practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Green Bay.

Benjamin missed the past two practices going through the league's concussion protocol, which he remains under. Coach Ron Rivera said the 28th pick in the 2014 draft "went through everything" in Friday's non-contact practice.

"He looked good on the field," Rivera said. "He practiced well. He was sharp. I really don't think he had a [mental error]. He took a lot of reps today, which I understand is part of protocol."

Benjamin still has to be cleared for contact by an independent doctor. Rivera expects that step in the process to take place Saturday before the team leaves.

Rivera said tight end Jeremy Shockey is the only player he's had since he became the head coach in 2011 who has gone into the concussion protocol and been cleared the same week.

Benjamin suffered the concussion in the second quarter of Sunday's 37-37 overtime tie at Cincinnati when he was hit by linebacker Vontaze Burfict on a pass over the middle.

Burfict was penalized 15 yards for hitting a defenseless receiver. He also was fined $25,000 by the NFL for intentionally trying to hurt the ankles of quarterback Cam Newton and Greg Olsen after each scored second-half touchdowns.

Benjamin passed sideline concussion protocol after the Burfict hit and returned to the game. He didn't go into the full concussion protocol until Monday, when he reported to team officials that he had what Rivera described as a "little headache."

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound rookie of the year candidate leads Carolina wide receivers with 31 catches for 416 yards and four touchdowns. If he can't play, Brenton Bersin and Philly Brown will take his spot.

The Panthers also will have running back Jonathan Stewart back after missing the past three games with a sprained knee. Stewart will start and be backed up by Chris Ogbonnaya and Darrin Reaves.

Reaves (thigh) returned to practice on Friday. Fozzy Whittaker remains doubtful with a thigh injury.

Nickel cornerback Bene Benwikere (ankle), running back DeAngelo Williams (ankle), linebacker Chase Blackburn (knee) and guard Amini Silatolu (calf) all are expected to be out against the Packers.

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