The Jets on Wednesday returned from their bye week, as they prepare for Sunday's home game against the Panthers.

And once again, running back Matt Forte (right knee) did not practice Wednesday. Forte didn't play in the Jets' last game, Nov. 12 at the Buccaneers, despite having extra rest coming out of the previous game, Nov. 2 against the Bills.

Forte has not practiced since that game against the Bills -- almost three weeks ago. This a potentially troubling sign for Forte as the Jets (4-6) get ready for their final six games.

Forte has downplayed the severity of his knee issue, saying it just involves swelling. Forte had arthroscopic surgery on this same knee in January.

Against the Bills, Forte carried 14 times for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Before that, he hadn't carried more than nine times in a game this season. But Forte said the increased workload had nothing to do with his knee swelling up after that game.

Also on Wednesday, cornerback Morris Claiborne (sprained foot) participated in stretching and had his helmet -- a potentially encouraging sign. Claiborne in Tampa returned from a one-game absence, but he aggravated his foot injury against the Buccaneers and exited the game.

Claiborne hoped the bye week would give him the necessary time to heal up, and it appears he has made progress. He was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Here is the full Wednesday injury report:

JETS

Did not practice: T Kelvin Beachum (child born), RB Matt Forte (knee), CB Rashard Robinson (illness)

Limited participant: CB Morris Claiborne (foot), S Rontez Miles (ankle), DE Muhammad Wilkerson (foot), G Brian Winters (abdomen)

PANTHERS

Did not practice: DE Mario Addison (shoulder), C Tyler Larsen (foot), CB Captain Munnerlyn (illness)

Limited participant: C Ryan Kalil (neck), QB Cam Newton (right thumb, right shoulder), DE Julius Peppers (not injury related)

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.