According to Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, running back Jonathan Stewart had “by far his best day in the last couple weeks” during Friday’s walk-through. The Panthers will make a final decision on Stewart, who is listed as questionable with a knee sprain, before Sunday’s game in Cincinnati.

“If he’s healthy and he’s up, yep, he’s our runner,” Rivera said when asked if an active Stewart would get the bulk of carries against the Bengals. “If not, it’ll be a mix of guys just like last week.”

If Stewart sits out his third straight game, Darrin Reaves, Fozzy Whittaker and Chris Ogbonnaya will split carries.

Considering how the Panthers have treated other game-time decisions, it would be surprising if Stewart is a go this week. The team chose caution when they held out quarterback Cam Newton in Week 1, receiver Jerricho Cotchery in Week 3, and linebacker Thomas Davis in Week 4.

“We don’t have to push anything and be careless,” Rivera admitted. “It’s a long season. We’re only going into our sixth game. We’re in good position right now, but he have to be smart about this.”

Tight end Greg Olsen and defensive end Charles Johnson are also questionable for Sunday, but they will each play.

Running back DeAngelo Williams and cornerbacks Bené Benwikere and Josh Norman have been ruled out.

Rivera also announced fourth-round safety Tre Boston will be active for the first time this season.

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OUT

• RB DeAngelo Williams (ankle)
• CB Bené Benwikere (ankle)
• CB Josh Norman (concussion)

QUESTIONABLE

• RB Jonathan Stewart (knee)
• TE Greg Olsen (ankle)
• DE Charles Johnson (hip)

PROBABLE

• RB Darrin Reaves (hip)
• LT Byron Bell (toe)
• DT Dwan Edwards (not injury related)
• DT Colin Cole (no injury related)
• LB Thomas Davis (elbow)
• S Roman Harper (not injury related)

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