Barring any setbacks, Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart will be back Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Stewart practiced in full pads Wednesday for the first time since last November, and afterward pronounced himself good to go.
“I feel ready,” Stewart said.
“One thing we can’t worry about is making sure everybody gets enough touches. What has to happen is when these guys get their opportunities they have to be quality touches,” HC Ron Rivera said.
“We can’t force things. What we’ve got to do is (offensive coordinator) Mike (Shula) has to continue to call his game the way he wants to call it, and at the end of the day when you get your opportunity, make the best of it.”
Stewart is ready for his chance, saying his first carry Wednesday was a play called “20 Iso,” with Mike Tolbert the lead blocker.
DeAngelo Williams sat out of practice with a bruised quad, but is expected to play. His upside takes a hit with Stewart back, but it doesn't sound like the team is going to force feed Stewart the ball in his first game back.
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