Philadelphia Eagles starting inside linebackers Kiko Alonso and Mychal Kendricks returned to the practice field on Wednesday.
When Alonso re-injured his previously surgically repaired left knee in Week 2, there was thoughts that he might be out for the season. Alonso tore his ACL in the same knee last year as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
A closer examination of his knee showed that the ACL wasn't damaged, and Alonso would be able to make a return after recovering from arthroscopic surgery.
Kendricks, who also got hurt in Week 2, also returned to practice after missing the last three games for the Eagles due to a hamstring injury.
Although both have returned to the practice field early in the week, Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis doesn't expect them to be ready for a Week 7 game against the undefeated Carolina Panthers.
"I don't really anticipate them," Davis said in a press conference on Wednesday. ""It's a day-to-day thing. Hopefully, they'll surprise me, but I don't know if they will. The key thing is to get them healthy, and them getting healthy at the right pace that their body will allow them to."
Demeco Ryans went down with a hamstring injury on Monday night. Prior to the injury, Ryans made an incredible interception on Eli Manning and recovered a fumble.
He didn't practice on Wednesday, but Davis expects the veteran to be ready on Sunday night.
"We'll giving DeMeco the day off," Davis said. "But knowing DeMeco, and the way he handles injuries, he'll be out there, Sunday. He's a warrior."
Davis already noted that rookie linebacker Jordan Hicks will have an increased role in the defense. Hicks has an interception, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries on the season.
Defensive end Brandon Bair (groin) also returned to practice after missing the last two games.
Wide receivers Nelson Agholor (ankle) and Riley Cooper (knee) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.
Agholor missed Monday night's game against the Giants, and he is expected to miss Sunday night's game in Carolina.
Cooper injured his knee in the games against New York, but he was able to return to the game.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
