The Panthers banged-up running game will be without its biggest part for at least eight weeks.
The team announced that fullback Mike Tolbert was placed on injured reserve/designated for return.
That will keep him out at least eight weeks, after he suffered a hairline fracture in his leg in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers.
The team signed linebacker D.J. Smith to fill his roster spot, which might actually be a good sign for their other backs.
DeAngelo Williams could return this week after missing the last two with a hamstring. Jonathan Stewart left the game last week with what coach Ron Rivera called a “severe sprain” of his knee, pending an MRI.
If they’re not signing a back now, they must think Williams will play this week, because the only other healthy back on the roster is practice squad promotion Darrin Reaves.
Tolbert was viewed as a luxury buy at the time (one of the last backs former General Manager Marty Hurney bought before he was fired), but went to the Pro Bowl last year after leading the team with seven touchdowns.
