Officially, Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and running back Jonathan Stewart are both questionable.
But one seems to be less questionable than the other.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera told reporters that both would be given the 50-50 designation and be “game-time decisions,” but seemed to be more optimistic about his star linebacker.
“Thomas looked pretty good today. Jonathan, not as good as we had hoped,” Rivera said, via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review.
Davis has been bothered by a hamstring strain, though it’s officially labeled a hip. Stewart sprained his knee last week against the Steelers.
They’re still thin at running back even with DeAngelo Williams coming back, but Davis is a necessity.
For the Panthers to be most effecive, they need Davis at full speed. But he’s openly discussed wanting to play against his old friend Steve Smith this week, so Rivera might have to make one of those tough calls like he did with quarterback Cam Newton in the opener if Davis isn’t quite 100 percent.
