Concerns about the Panthers’ long injury list heading into Sunday’s night prime-time game with the Steelers were somewhat alleviated on Thursday. Of the 10 guys who did not practice Wednesday, eight were elevated to at least ‘limited’ status. Receiver Jason Avant was downgraded to ‘did not practice,’ while running backs DeAngelo Williams and Fozzy Whittaker remained out.
Fullback Mike Tolbert returned to take some snaps, but the running back group is still short in numbers. Ironically, Jonathan Stewart is the only healthy back on the active roster.
“Usually, I’m that guy on the bike,” the oft-injured Stewart said.
DID NOT PRACTICE
- RB DeAngelo Williams (thigh): Hasn’t practiced since last Wednesday. Rivera remains hopeful Williams will be able to play Sunday.
- RB Fozzy Whittaker (thigh): Unlikely to return this week. Darrin Reaves may get a call-up from the practice squad, especially if Williams can’t go.
- WR Jason Avant (thigh): Rivera’s “concerned” about Avant’s status for Sunday. If he can’t play, Marcus Lucas or Stephen Hill could be moved up from the practice squad.
LIMITED
- FB Mike Tolbert (chest): Rivera said his fullback’s “still not ready to take a shot.” Tolbert admitted the hit he took from Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was the first one that’s ever forced him to come off the field during a game. “I’m glad it happened in year seven in the NFL and not earlier. I may not have wanted to play football anymore,” Tolbert said.
- WR Jerricho Cotchery (thigh): An addition to the injury report after practicing in full on Wednesday.
- T Garry Williams (thigh): Made a somewhat surprising return Thursday.
- LB Thomas Davis (hip): There doesn’t appear to be much concern about his status on Sunday.
FULL
- WR Kelvin Benjamin (knee): Good sign for a guy that didn’t practice Wednesday.
- WR Philly Brown (ankle): Ditto.
- LT Byron Bell (toe): Ditto.
- RT Nate Chandler (toe): Ditto.
- DT Dwan Edwards (back): Ditto.
- TE Greg Olsen (calf): Was limited Wednesday after he was accidentally kicked.