The Panthers will be without the franchise’s all-time leading rusher Sunday, which may give them a chance to run the ball better.
Via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is out for this week’s game at New Orleans.
Williams has a broken bone at the base of his middle finger, and hasn’t practiced all week. In his absence, the Panthers will be forced to give it to Jonathan Stewart, who has been the more productive of the tandem all year.
With Mike Tolbert also back, the Panthers have the potential to run with power, if their offensive line gives them any help. With left guard Amini Silatolu out, that group will be the same as last week (breaking a skid of seven straight weeks of a different line combination each week).
The Panthers are listing tight end Greg Olsen as questionable, but coach Ron Rivera told reporters he’s expected to play. That’s a benefit, as he’s been their most consistent pass-catcher this season.