Today on NFL GameDay First, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that a “team source” told him the Panthers don’t expect starting running back DeAngelo Williams to play today (via NFL.com’s Kevin Patra). This isn’t a surprise at all, because the Panthers never seemed optimistic on Williams’s status. He never practiced at all this week, and the fact that the Panthers only listed him as questionable was an effort from Ron Rivera to not completely shut the door on his best running back playing in a key matchup.
Cat Crave
The Carolina Panthers rushing attack will most likely be led by injury-prone RB Jonathan Stewart, who seemed to turn back the clock in one wonderful preseason performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. He’ll have to try and replicate that this week against a tough Detroit Lions front seven, because the Lions could score a barrage of points on the Panthers weak secondary. They have an offensive line capable of fighting blow-for-blow with the Panthers elite front four, while Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate form an elite trio that can take full advantage of the Panthers weaknesses in the defensive backfield.
Hopefully Williams can recover fully from his thigh injury without any lingering issues, and it looks like he’ll be able to get back out there in Week 3. Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams ran for 72 yards on 14 carries, so he could be missed today if Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker, and Mike Tolbert can’t move the ball on the ground.