The Panthers always want to run, but in a week when they’ll want the ball out of the hands of quarterback Drew Brees, it’s more important than most.
The good news entering Sunday night’s showdown with the Saints is that their backfield should be ready to roll.
DeAngelo Williams is back after missing a week with a quadriceps contusion, and coach Ron Rivera said the break was significant.
“Any time you get a break, miss a week or two or three, you are going to have more bounce, a little bit more energy, because the body gets a rest,’' Rivera said, via David Newton of ESPN.com. “For a running back to be able to take a break like that, it’s going to help him.’'
Rivera also said Jonathan Stewart should be fine despite missing the last two days of practice.
While the presence of quarterback Cam Newton and fullback Mike Tolbert mean the backs aren’t putting up numbers like they have in the past, having all hands on deck will only help against a team which can score more quickly.