The second-year linebacker has missed three games this year because of shoulder issues. Plus more from Friday's post-Christmas break practice

After a (hopefully) happy holiday season, the Panthers are back to work on Friday, with a pair of critical games in front of them. And probably because of the holiday, people were feeling cheerful.

The team didn't practice Thursday, but if they had, the rookie wideout would have been back in action after missing Wednesday for a non-injury rest day.

Comeback player of the year honors someone who overcame adversity to return better than ever. Derrick Brown has been that for the Panthers, returning to change the complexion of the defense, the locker room, and the team. 

Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu returned to full participation on Wednesday after missing last week's game with a knee issue.

The corner has made back-to-back Pro Bowls, helping him catch up quickly to his dad and solidify his place in the league as one of the best at the position. Plus more from Wednesday's practice

The veteran guard went through some individual work Wednesday, as he begins the process of coming back from his torn biceps tendon. And he still has more work to do.

The Pro Bowl guard has been out since tearing a biceps tendon in Week 2, but he'll practice today for the first time since the injury.

The ground game is part of Canales' football DNA, and he wants to establish that. And memories of Christmas Eve 2022 are still sweet ones for Chuba Hubbard and most of the offensive line.

The Falcons and Saints both notched wins, as the Panthers took the lead in the division over the Bucs. 

When Mike Jackson was traded by the Seattle Seahawks to the Carolina Panthers last offseason, few could have predicted the Panthers would be getting a full-time starter out of the deal. Now, Jackson has a chance to show off in front of the team that sent him East.