Greg Olsen plans to practice to equate another step toward return on Wednesday

Panthers tight end Greg Olsen plans to practice Wednesday, optimistic the session will equate to another step toward his return from a fractured right foot.

Olsen, who practised most of last week, said taking contact is the next step in his comeback from a foot injury. Olsen, who suffered the same injury in 2017, said a screw inserted during a 2017 surgery is what's holding his foot together at this point. He ran routes and ramped up his physical activity last week without a setback.

"Wednesday will be a big day," Olsen told the media on Monday. "Running on the side, running on air, routes by yourself, even though you are going hard, cutting and doing all that, you've got to get other people on the field guarding you, making it tough."

Olsen added that he most likely will need surgery after the season, but hopes his foot will hold up for the rest of 2018.

Following Olsen's injury in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, he said he hoped to return within four to five weeks. The 33-year-old avoided surgery and injured reserve -- unlike in 2017, after he sustained the initial Jones fracture -- making him eligible to play whenever the team deems him healthy.

Olsen was limited to seven games by his injury last season and struggled when on the field, totalling just 17 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown. He had two grabs for 33 yards in Week 1 this year before going down.

(With inputs from agencies.)