Panthers DL Derrick Brown reveals when he plans on returning to the practice field

Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Derrick Brown is zeroing in on his return.

The sixth-year veteran spoke with reporters following the third and final session of the team’s mandatory minicamp on Thursday. Brown, who has yet to participate in on-field workouts this offseason, was asked when he thinks he’ll be back on the practice field.

“Hopefully, very close,” he replied. “I expect to be out there in training camp. Load management, and hopefully in the next few weeks, I get cleared. So that’s the goal and then at that point, it’s just getting back in football shape and being able to go out there and play with the team.”

Brown sustained a season-ending knee injury during Carolina’s Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints last September. His absence loomed large over the Panthers defense—which not only relinquished a league-leading 179.8 rushing yards per game, but also set an NFL record of 534 points allowed on the campaign.

The season prior saw Brown capture an NFL record of his own, as he amassed the most tackles by a defensive lineman (103). He was selected to his first Pro Bowl Games for his efforts.