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Olsen Approaching More Records

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CHARLOTTE – Tight end Greg Olsen wasn't aware he was so close to breaking more of Wesley Walls' team records. But it's just a matter of time.

Olsen, who has compiled 316 catches and 3,871 yards in Carolina, is nine catches and 32 yards away from surpassing Walls' team records by a tight end in both categories.

"I got that in me. I can do that," Olsen joked. "Sorry Wesley."

After being selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2014, Olsen is on pace for an even better 2015 season. Quarterback Cam Newton's No.1 target has posted 45 receptions for 664 yards and five touchdowns during Carolina's nine-game unbeaten streak to start the season.

Accumulating more wins is Olsen's only objective, but he takes pride in his noteworthy level of production.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Wesley," said Olsen, who previously surpassed Walls' team records for catches and yards in a single season. "He really was the pinnacle of tight end play in this organization. When you are in company like that it's obviously special, but I think it's more just a credit to longevity and trying to be consistent.

"I just try to be accountable and reliable, and all that stuff kind of takes care of itself."

MONITORING STEWART: Through nine games, running back Jonathan Stewart already has a career-high nine starts, and he's already played in more games than he did two of the previous three seasons. In addition, Stewart currently ranks second in the NFL with 169 carries.

"I feel perfectly fine," Stewart said when asked about his workload. "When you prepare to be the starter, you prepare for whatever is handed to you."

He's been asked to handle a lot. Fullback Mike Tolbert is second on the team among running backs with 26 carries, and Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker have combined for 19 more.

Stewart ranks 11th in the league with 73.6 rushing yards per game and is tied for 14th with four rushing touchdowns.

"The idea is, if we can, to start taking some of that off of him," Rivera said. "It's hard to though because he brings so much energy.

"He's very healthy, and he's doing some really good things."

INJURY UPDATES: Guard Andrew Norwell was the only player who did not participate in Thursday's practice. Rivera said he's hopeful Norwell will be able to return for next week's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Wide receiver Philly Brown was limited with a shoulder injury that he suffered during practice. "We shut him down and they put ice on it right away," Rivera said. "Hopefully, he'll be fine tomorrow."

Cornerback Charles Tillman was limited with a knee injury. "He woke up this morning and was a little bit sore, a little bit swollen," Rivera said.

Defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, who has missed the previous four games with an ankle injury, was a full participant.

View photos from the Panthers' week of practice leading up to their game versus Washington.

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