CHARLOTTE, N.C. — D.J. Hackett returned to practice for the Carolina Panthers on today after sitting out with a sore knee.

The Panthers signed Hackett and fellow veteran Muhsin Muhammad in the offseason to give them more options to pair with star Steve Smith. Muhammad and Hackett were expected to contend for the starting job.

Muhammad was working with the first team in two-receiver sets. Hackett was the third receiver before sitting out two optional practices with a sore knee.

Hackett's injury moved Dwayne Jarrett up the depth chart after his disappointing rookie season in 2007.

The Panthers resume optional workouts tomorrow.