Linebacker Barrett Ruud participated in his first practice of the week Friday and pronounced himself ready to go against the Panthers.

Ruud suffered a right knee sprain and some swelling. But he says there is no structural damage to his knee and the injury should not be a factor.

"I felt good,'' Ruud said following practice. "It was about how I figured it would be. It's still a tad sore, but I felt okay.''

Last year, Ruud played through a torn meniscus in his knee.

""At least this one, I know it's going to be better eventually,'' Ruud said.