Panthers DE Peppers returns to practice after illness

CHARLOTTE (AP) — Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers isn’t talking about anything, which means things are getting back to normal for the three-time Pro Bowl pick.

Peppers returned to practice today for the first time since last Wednesday. Coach John Fox would only say it was an illness that involved a fever.

Peppers didn’t travel to Philadelphia for Friday’s exhibition game loss to the Eagles, then missed practice Sunday and Monday. Fox wasn’t sure if the illness would affect Peppers’ strength in Friday’s pre-season game against New England, and he didn’t rule out
Peppers sitting out the game.

Carolina’s starters are expected to play into the third quarter against the Patriots.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)