Carolina Panthers’ Charles Johnson, Devin Funchess on track to play at Pittsburgh

Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson and rookie receiver Devin Funchess are on track to play Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Johnson did not practice Tuesday because of an injured muscle in his neck and shoulder area, but Ron Rivera reiterated the plan is for him to play against the Steelers.

Johnson injured his trapezius before Monday’s practice and has missed two days. The Panthers and Johnson want the veteran defensive end to get reps against the Steelers so he doesn’t go until Week 1 in Jacksonville before facing another team.

Funchess experienced tightness in his right hamstring toward the end of Monday’s practice but he participated fully in practice. He worked mainly with the second-team offense.

Cornerback Charles Tillman (concussion) worked on an exercise bike. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (foot), center Ryan Kalil (knee), center Brian Folkerts (ankle) and tight end Richie Brockel (shoulder) were not at practice and won’t play against the Steelers.

This story was originally published September 1, 2015 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers’ Charles Johnson, Devin Funchess on track to play at Pittsburgh."