Kenjon Barner back at practice

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) hands off to running back Kenjon Barner (25) during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It’s probably going to be a few more weeks until we see Jonathan Stewart back on the field for the Carolina Panthers, but Kenjon Barner should be back this week after missing last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Associated Press’s Steve Reed reports that Barner is back at practice today, and that’s great news. Although the rookie out of Oregon has touched the ball just one time this season in just one game (against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4), he does have talent and gives the Panthers more depth at RB. DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert will continue to receive the majority of the touches, but I do want to see Barner receive more of a workload. The Panthers invested a draft pick in him for a reason, and he can bring big-play ability as the scat back.

Kenjon Barner missed the first three weeks of the season with a foot injury he suffered in the preseason, and he missed last week’s game after being listed as doubtful on the injury report. It’s good to hear that the setback has evidently cleared up, and it looks like Barner will be playing in his second game of the season.

Let’s hope Barner’s health is fine going forward, but obviously the majority of the focus will be on Jonathan Stewart’s health. At this point, the main thing with Barner is seeing how he fits the Panthers gameplan going forward, and I personally hope the Panthers get him involved for about five touches a game. It doesn’t seem like much, but those touches can go a long way if he is able to suddenly capture lightning in a bottle.

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