Panthers Charles Johnson, DeAngelo Williams probable against Saints

Nov 18, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass as Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Patriots 24-20 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers have listed both defensive end Charles Johnson and running back DeAngelo Williams as probable heading into a huge game against the New Orleans Saints in a battle for first place in the NFC South. Johnson has been recovering from a knee sprain he suffered when he was leg whipped by Marcus Cannon against the New England Patriots and the Panthers need all hands on deck to rush Drew Brees in a battle of great offense against great defense.

Williams has been dealing with a quad injury, but is expected to play and is the Panthers leading rusher this season. So far, Williams has 610 yards on 151 carries this season and 4 touchdowns in addition to catching 19 passes for 160 yards in 11 games for the Panthers.

The Saints, meanwhile, are coming off of a pretty lopsided loss to the Seattle Seahawks in a game that had the potential to get the Saints home field throughout the playoffs. This game against the Panthers may ultimately depend which team has a bye week and home field in the divisional round and which is the 5th seeded wildcard.

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