CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy returned to practice Thursday, one day after being excused from work to meet with his attorney.
Hardy practiced in full pads, joking with teammates during warmups as Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” blared in the background from a portable speaker on the field. Hardy didn’t not speak to the media following the two-hour workout.
The team’s franchise player was convicted on two domestic violence charges July 15 following an altercation with his ex-girlfriend at his apartment in March. Hardy has appealed and a jury trial is set for Nov. 17.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Hardy “practiced well” and should be ready to play in the team’s home opener Sunday against Detroit.
When asked if the issue appears to weighing on Hardy, Rivera said, “I couldn’t tell you that. The only thing I can tell is he practiced very well.”