Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams has usually been the team’s most consistent threat on the ground, though he has been outplayed by the more talented Jonathan Stewart recently. Still, given Stewart’s injury proneness, the Panthers need Williams to stay healthy, but that’s also been a problem for the veteran Memphis product this season.Williams didn’t show any signs of an injury during yesterday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but it appears that he may have broken his hand.
According to the Charlotte Observer’s Joe Person, Panthers head coach Ron Rivera believes that DeAngelo Williams broke his hand yesterday, and the running back may need to see a hand specialist. If he has indeed broken his hand, then it would be a tough blow to the Panthers backfield depth, but it would give Stewart even more opportunities to shine.
At this point, Stewart is clearly the team’s No. 1 RB, and he is finally re-emerging due to his newfound health. Hopefully he’ll be able to stay healthy for the remainder of the season, because the Panthers could be in trouble if he goes down with D-Will. Stewart had more issues with injury earlier this year, but he’s managed to stay healthy lately.
As for Williams, the 31-year-old is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and hasn’t gone over 50 yards in a single game since going for a little over 70 in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.