Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett is active for Sunday night's game against the Carolina Panthers, his first game back following arthroscopic knee surgery that caused him to miss five games.

Bennett, who was listed as questionable for Sunday's game, is one of four defensive starters back from injury for this week's game along with free safety Earl Thomas, cornerback DeShawn Shead and linebacker Mike Morgan. Center Justin Britt is also back after missing last week's game with an ankle injury.

"It does feel good to have guys coming back," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday. "On the other side of it, we're really proud of the guys who stepped up and played in place of those who were out, but it feels good. These guys are pumped and looking forward to it."

The Seahawks will be without tight end Luke Willson, who had been listed as questionable with a knee injury. Two other players listed as questionable will play, running back Troymaine Pope (ankle) and defensive end Damontre Moore (foot), both of whom missed last week's game with injuries.

With Moore and George Farmer active at running back behind starter Thomas Rawls, Alex Collins is inactive for Sunday's game. Inactive for the first time this season is tackle Garry Gilliam, who had been the starter at right tackle prior to Bradly Sowell being named the starter this week after replacing Gilliam early in last week's game.

Carolina is missing several key players for Sunday's game, including All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, starting safety Kurt Coleman, right tackle Daryl Williams, and defensive end Mario Addison, who leads the team in sacks.

Here are inactives for both teams:

Seattle Seahawks

WR Paul Richardson

RB C.J. Prosise

RB Alex Collins

LB Brock Coyle

OT Garry Gilliam

TE Luke Willson

DT John Jenkins

Carolina Panthers

DE Mario Addison

RB Cameron Artis-Payne

DT Paul Soliai

S Kurt Coleman

LB Luke Kuechly

OT Daryl Williams

TE Chris Manhertz