Hey, good news, Panthers fans. You’re getting a running back back Wednesday.
The bad news is it’s Fozzy Whittaker.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera told reporters that starter DeAngelo Williams was “doubtful” this week because of an ankle sprain.
Rivera said there was no structural damage to Williams’ foot, but he was sore and didn’t seem optimistic about playing this week against the Bears.
Rivera hedged when asked about Jonathan Stewart coming back this week (Mike Tolbert is still at least seven weeks away on IR/designated for return), but said he was “pretty confident,” that Whittaker would return.
Of course, a group led by Whittaker, Darrin Reaves and Tauren Poole won’t scare anyone, and Rivera said he thought the team might have to explore bringing in a veteran back this week.
The Panthers have been poor in the running game, partly because of the injuries in the backfield and partly because of the problems up front.