CHARLOTTE — Nothing is official yet.
But just from the look in Robert Hunt's eye, and the tone in his voice, you can tell he seems rather optimistic.
"We'll see how it goes, but yeah," Hunt said Wednesday in the locker room after his most extensive day of work since tearing a biceps tendon in Week 2. "I'm an optimistic guy in general though, in everything I do in life, I'm not just saying that. I really am. I'm very optimistic."
His return would be excellent news for the Panthers, as any time you can add a Pro Bowl-level player (as Hunt was last year), that's a good thing.
Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said that Hunt brings many elements to the table with a potential return.
"Oh, one the celebrations after a big run, we need that juice, I love that juice," Idzik said. "But really just it speaks for itself, his size, his athleticism, he moves people. He's a dominating presence just lining up out there that that teams have to account for.
"And he does a great job of, you really can't overlook the cultural piece that he brings when he's out on the field with our guys. He inspires our guys to go after it, and he's consistently, reflecting that in the way he plays. So, really just his galvanizing personality and play style like that's something that leaks over into both phases of the game."
Hunt started practicing last week, but wasn't deemed ready to play int he regular season finale against the Buccaneers. But now that the playoffs extended his season, it created an opportunity for him to try to get back out there.
The work has gradually ramped up, and he said the indications were good.
"Today we went a little faster, so, it was a good test of my elbow to see how I feel, and it's not going to be, my elbow's not going to be perfect, you know what I mean? It's not going to be, but I think I compete with it. . . .
"I feel percentage-wise, I feel good enough to compete and do my job at a good level. I'm going to be rusty though. I ain't played in a while, and this is a good team. This is a really good team."
The Panthers have an open roster spot after releasing two players earlier this week and activating wide receiver David Moore.
Hunt said the biggest impediment last week was his "legs," after a three-month break following surgery. And it's clear that having that extra week — and what it means — is important for him.
"What an honor to be playing, you know, a week after the season is over," he said. "So shout out to the team, man, and everybody that's been involved, the fans, everybody, man. So I'm just excited to be a part of it.
"Now I can strap up a little bit, hopefully, and then line it up. I'm going to be pumped to see what I can do Saturday."
View some of the best shots of Wednesday's practice as the Panthers' prepare for their matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
The Carolina Panther's practice on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 at Bank Of America Stadium, in Charlotte, NC.
