DeAngelo Williams injury update: Panthers RB questionable for Lions game
The Carolina Panthers are expected to get franchise quarterback Cam Newton back for their home opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, but the team is unsure if they will have starting running back DeAngelo Williams after missing his second straight day of practice on Friday.
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Williams developed tightness in his thigh following Wednesday’s practice and is officially listed as questionable after he ran for 72 yards on 14 carries in the Week 1 win vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"“DeAngelo ran in the pool today, but he didn’t practice,” head coach Ron Rivera tells the team’s website. “I’m concerned. He’s a running back, and he’s got to rely on that burst.“Based on how he ran today, we’re going to really have to see how he is tomorrow morning. If he’s just the slightest bit hampered by it…we’ll see.”"
If Williams is unable to play against the Lions on Sunday, Rivera isn’t too worried about having to rely on Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert to shoulder the load.
With Newton expected to see a reduction in his rushing attempts as he returns from offseason ankle surgery and injured ribs that kept him out of the opener, Fozzy Whitaker could also play into the running back equation after a strong preseason as well.
“The nice thing is we’ve got Jonathan, Michael Tolbert and Fozzy Whittaker. We feel very good about that group of guys,” Rivera said. “We’ll make a decision based on what I hear from the trainers, the doctors, DeAngelo, the coordinator and position coach.”