The Carolina Panthers are a team on the rise as quarterback Cam Newton continues to improve each week. Things are looking even better as running back Jonathan Stewart is predicted to return soon. However, what does that mean for the already crowded backfield in Carolina? Head coach Ron Rivera is not concerned as long as the team keeps improving.
Stewart is finally returning to practice after having offseason ankle surgery that kept him off the field for the first six weeks of the season. The running back made his first appearance on the field last Tuesday, but was inactive for the Thursday game since it was a short week. However, Stewart says he is ready to play as the team prepares for NFC South rival, the Atlanta Falcons.
If Stewart is going to play, the Panthers must activate him to the 53-man roster. As of now, Rivera is being coy on whether or not that will happen, simply saying that Stewart has had several good practices and would be ready if needed. Anyone capable of reading between the lines can see that means the running back will be on the field against Atlanta.
So where does that leave DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert who have been filling in for Stewart? Those two backs are no slouches so deciding playing time could be tough. As of Week 8, Williams ranks 10th in the league in rushing with 477 yards on the year. Tolbert has three touchdowns on the year, tied with Newton. Rivera is giving no indications on how playing time will be divided.
"One thing we can't worry about is making sure everybody gets enough touches. What has to happen is when these guys get their opportunities they have to be quality touches," Rivera said, via the Charlotte Observer. "We can't force things. What we've got to do is [offensive coordinator] Mike [Shula] has to continue to call his game the way he wants to call it, and at the end of the day when you get your opportunity, make the best of it."
Fantasy owners might start to hate Rivera as touches get taken away from Williams or Tolbert. Last year, Stewart rushed for 336 yards and a touchdown on 93 carries before getting hurt in November. Fans of the Panthers will be thrilled to know the team has three very capable running backs and a mobile quarterback to keep defenses guessing.
