DeAngelo Williams to remain Carolina Panthers starter

facebooktwitterreddit
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings on an 18 yard pass reception in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings on an 18 yard pass reception in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers are getting running back Jonathan Stewart back on the field. Stewart was the starter last year until he went down with an ankle injury and hasn’t played since. In his absence, DeAngelo Williams thrived and earned the job back. Going into this week’s game, Williams is the NFL’s 11th leading rusher this season.

Even though Stewart has returned to practice, Williams will continue to start according to the Charlotte Observer.

“It just felt good to be out there and have them welcome me and encourage me,” says Stewart. “But God taught me a lot of things, taught me a lot about myself,” says Stewart. “I don’t regret the process that I’ve gone through.”

Even though he wasn’t with the team practicing and playing in games he was still around the guys.

“You’re not going through the blood, sweat and tears, the practices and the game time,” says Stewart, via the Charlotte Observer. “Of course you’re part of the team. (But) I can only encourage, I can only support my teammates in the meeting room and stuff like that. So that’s the only disconnect you feel.”

Stewart is ready.

“He had his game face on,” says quarterback Cam Newton.

He could really help bolster their running game.