CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Panthers coach Ron Rivera says he has confidence in veteran running back DeAngelo Williams should he be forced to carry the load Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Panthers benched Williams, their all-time leading rusher, in Week 7 for Jonathan Stewart and he's seen a reduced workload since.
But with Stewart suffering a high ankle sprain in Monday night's win over Philadelphia, Rivera says Williams could be thrust back into the starting lineup against the Chiefs (1-10).
Rivera says it's too early in the week to know Stewart's status, although Stewart was held out of Wednesday's light practice.
Rivera says despite the midseason demotion, Williams has "run hard and he's taken advantage of every opportunity. He's practiced well and he's been a professional. That's all you can ask for."
