Smith, Beason return to Panthers practice

The Carolina Panthers welcomes wide receiver Steve Smith and middle linebacker Jon Beason back to practice on Sunday, the Charlotte Observer reported.

Smith was out for two weeks with a foot infection but the injury was not considered serious. He is the No. 1 target for second-year quarterback Cam Newton.

Beason was out for much of training camp with a hamstring injury. He missed most of last year with a torn Achilles tendon.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said both players should be ready to play next Sunday's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.