Gary Barnidge (rib) returned to a limited practice Wednesday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Barnidge (rib) returned to a limited practice Wednesday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Analysis:

While the return of Barnidge to practice is a step in the right direction for the tight end, his status for Sunday's game against the Panthers has yet to be solidified. "Barnidge will work today, but no contact," coach Mike Pettine said Wednesday of Barnidge, who has missed the Browns' last two games. "We won't know till the end of the week how he feels running around from a comfort level, how we can protect him."