CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales sounded ecstatic.
Ever the optimist who opens press conferences with positive energy, Canales on Thursday spoke up when asked of Robert Hunt’s health status.
Could the former Pro Bowler return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s NFL Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium?
Canales emphatically declared he was “very optimistic” Hunt would return to the starting lineup, bumping versatile Austin Corbett to a reserve interior role.
“He had another fantastic day,” Canales said during Thursday’s post-practice press conference. “He was out there with his guys. I’m very optimistic about Rob playing.
“He looked great.”
Hunt injured his biceps in Week 2, but rehabilitated in Charlotte, N.C., and attended team meetings, remaining connected. The Panthers listed Hunt as questionable on Thursday’s injury report.
Canales said Hunt will only dress if he is able to start and play a majority, if not all, of the offensive snaps.
If Hunt returns, the NFC South-champion Panthers will field their 12th different offensive line combination this season.
Going against Jaycee Horn during Thursday’s practice, Panthers CB Mike Jackson displays why he leads the #NFL with 19 passes defended … pic.twitter.com/A5vo2OGtwF
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 8, 2026
Carolina Panthers Getting Healthy In Time For NFL Playoffs
Hunt is not the lone teammate returning from injury.
Canales said defensive linemen Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) and Bobby Brown III (concussion protocol) “looked pretty good. They’re going through, they’re making sure that they go through protocols the correct way. Obviously, we have to respect that part of it and go day to day until they’re cleared.
“Obviously, the full injury report will come out a little bit later because of the West Coast time with the Rams. But the guys are stacking great days.”
Cornerback Robert Rochell also cleared concussion protocol and practiced Thursday. During special teams drills, Rochell twice dived to down punts inside the 1-yard line.
“It’s a blessing to be getting as healthy as you can be, as far as the league is concerned,” Canales said.
#Panthers huddle before Thursday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/UHCLKxvJXV
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 8, 2026
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