Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin returned to practice Friday, his first on-field action since clearing concussion protocol in his recovery from a head injury apparently suffered on a hard hit by Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict early in the second quarter of last Sunday’s game.

The Panthers’ offense cannot afford to be without the league’s top rookie wideout in a game with the Packers that will likely require as many points as possible.

Through six games, Benjamin has 31 receptions, and he leads all rookies with 416 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

The Packers are likely to be without cornerback Sam Shields, who did not practice Friday.

If Benjamin does not play, receivers Brenton Bersin and Philly Brown will see more snaps. Backup quarterback Joe Webb also spent some time at Wednesday’s practice playing wideout.

“We feel good about the guys that are playing,” coach Ron Rivera said. “We’re running the ball better, (Newton’s) running the ball a little bit more now. We’ll have (running back) Jonathan (Stewart) back on the field, it looks like. So I think we’re going to be ok, whether (Benjamin’s) out there or not.”

While Rivera is optimistic in his offense without Benjamin, quarterback Cam Newton is still holding out hope his wideout, now listed as questionable, and good friend will be able to play against the Packers.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll see him sooner rather than later,” Newton said.