DeAngelo Williams expected to play this week
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams hasn’t played since suffering a high-ankle sprain in Week 4, but this week’s Thursday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints has been highlighted as his return date. It’s been a month since Williams carried the ball in a regular season game, so it will be interesting to see if he shows some rust upon his expected return.
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According to Panthers official site beat writer Max Henson, Ron Rivera expects Williams to make his return this week against the Saints, so he is still on track to suit up. Jonathan Stewart looked pretty darn good against the Seattle Seahawks tough front seven, and he was much more impressive than I expected. Stewart still has talent, but the key for him is staying healthy (which he can never do) and consistent.
The Panthers were bereft of a running game due to coinciding injuries to Williams and Stewart, but D-Will’s return to join J-Stew against the rival Saints will give the offense a much-needed boost. Although the Panthers played well on defense on Sunday, holding the Seahawks to just 13 points, they look vulnerable against the Saints passing attack, which woke up last night in a 44-23 win over the Green Bay Packers. The talented Saints are back and ready to stake their claim, so Williams’s return comes at a time when a statement from the Panthers is needed.