Panthers DE Kony Ealy back at practice after missing Thursday with fever

Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy said a good day’s rest is just what he needed after waking up Thursday with a fever.

“A slight fever,” Ealy said. “Got some medicine, rest, felt great today. Did a lot of things in practice. Feeling good.”

Ealy did not practice Thursday after being sent home by the doctors. He practiced Friday and is probable to play Sunday.

“Kony’s fine,” Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. “He practiced well today. He came back out, took the reps they scheduled for him. He spent a little extra meeting time with (defensive line) Coach (Eric) Washington and Coach (Sam Mills III) to make sure he’s caught up on everything. He looked pretty good out there.”

Ealy had five sacks in his sophomore campaign with 28 quarterback pressures, the second-most on the team behind Kawann Short’s 32.

Running back Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) is the only player listed as out for the Panthers this week.

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 5:21 PM with the headline "Panthers DE Kony Ealy back at practice after missing Thursday with fever."