The Carolina Panthers' newly minted running back, Miles Sanders, returned to practice this week after nursing a groin injury for the better part of the last two.

Sanders, who is set to be the Panthers' leading running back, returns to practice just in time for the team's eventual Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10. And it is a matchup Sanders said he doesn't see himself missing. 

“Absolutely,” Sanders said when asked if he would play in Week 1. “I’ll do whatever to help our team win.″

Sanders will take on the mantel of being the Panthers' three-down running back. He has the skill set that allows him to be a great downhill runner. He can also be a dangerous pass-catcher out of the backfield. 

It is something that he takes pride in. 

"I would love to showcase my talent, whether it’s catching the ball, running the ball, blocking,″ Sanders said.

During the Philadelphia Eagles' run to the NFL Super Bowl in the 2022-23 season, Sanders ran for 1,259 yards and 11 touchdowns. He didn't catch many passes because the nature of the Eagles' offense didn't require it from him. 

With the Panthers, that will be a different story. 

“We do feel like Miles has the opportunity and potential to be one of our playmakers,″ Panthers head coach Frank Reich said. “He’s explosive. He’s a dual threat. He’s got long speed, he’s got burst, he’s got quickness, he’s got good vision. 

Sanders most likely won't play against the Detroit Lions, but he guarantees that come Week 1, he will be the $25 million man the Panthers brought in during the offseason. 

"You guys don't see the practices that we do, so we're grinding every day," Sanders said. "I won't let the preseason dictate whatever the season is going to be. Everybody knows what the preseason is for, it's for guys to have an opportunity to make the team.

"So, I wouldn't necessarily judge it based off that, but us grinding every day in practice. I could say that, yeah, we're gonna be very explosive and hopefully hard to beat if we just keep grinding and taking it day by day."

Miles Sanders ready to ‘get back to work,’ eager to show what he can do and be for the Panthers

Miles Sanders arrived for camp Tuesday, he appeared eager to prove the team’s investment in him worth it.

Feature image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.