Carolina Panthers DE Kony Ealy misses practice with illness

Second-year defensive end Kony Ealy missed Thursday’s practice due to an illness, but Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes Ealy will be able to play Sunday against the Seahawks.

“He came in this morning and wasn’t feeling very well, running a fever,” Rivera said, “and they took a look at him, saw the doctor, gave him some medicine and sent him home. So hopefully tomorrow he’ll be fine.”

Ealy is fourth on the team – and second among defensive ends – in sacks this season with five.

Rivera also ruled out running back Fozzy Whittaker for Sunday’s game with a high ankle sprain. Whittaker hasn’t practiced this week, so even his availability for next week’s game – if there is one – would be uncertain.

Every other Panthers player participated fully on Thursday.

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers DE Kony Ealy misses practice with illness."