The Panthers are rapidly running out of running backs.
But they were latching onto the fact that the one they got back yesterday was the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.
According to Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, veteran running back DeAngelo Williams was back on the practice field for the first time in two weeks, recovered from a hamstring strain.
Of course, they placed fullback Mike Tolbert on IR/designated for return and will miss Jonathan Stewart for a few weeks with a knee sprain. That leaves recent practice squad call-up Darrin Reaves as the only other healthy ball-carrier on the roster.
“Don’t sound so demoralizing,” quarterback Cam Newton responded when asked about Stewart and Tolbert. “(Reaves) is ready. We’ve got DeAngelo coming back. I’m excited. You’re not going to get this woe-is-me attitude. This person is hurt, that person is hurt … that’s a losing attitude.”
Of course, running the ball 10 times in a game like they did against the Steelers is a losing formula for the Panthers. Not having Newton completely healthy has changed their approach to running the ball. But their hesitance to let him do it shouldn’t preclude giving Williams the ball more often.