The Panthers are trying to get their running game fixed — against a Steelers defense which is amenable — but they have their own problems.
Starting running back DeAngelo Williams is inactive again with a hamstring injury.
That leaves the Panthers in the hands of Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert tonight, but the Steelers have been soft up the middle against the run so far this year.
The Panthers will also be without veteran wideout Jerricho Cotchery, which will test their scant depth at that position.
Also inactive for the Panthers are quarterback Joe Webb, running back Fozzy Whittaker, offensive linemen David Foucault and Andrew Norwell and safety Tre Boston.
The Steelers deactivated quarterback Landry Jones, running back Dri Archer, wide receiver Martavis Bryant, nose tackle Daniel McCullers, offensive linemen Wesley Johnson and Ramon Foster and cornerback B.W. Webb.