Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen returned to practice Thursday despite a fractured foot.
Head coach Ron Rivera said Allen, 33, would be given the opportunity to prove his effectiveness in two days of practice if he avoids setbacks. Allen is officially listed as doubtful on the injury report released Wednesday but could be upgraded.
Allen is the NFL’s active leader in sacks and had three quarterback hurries last week against the Seattle Seahawks. He has only two sacks for the Panthers since arriving in Carolina in October via trade from the Chicago Bears.
Allen visited foot specialist James Anderson in Charlotte on Monday.
“I’ve got a group of guys I’ve got to get ready to play with or without him,” Rivera said. “I don’t want to give any false indications either way because I want these guys focused in on preparing for themselves.”
If Allen can’t go, Kony Ealy will likely slide into the starting lineup with pass-rush specialist Mario Addison seeing an uptick in snaps.