Stewart's status still uncertain

Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hopeful running back Jonathan Stewart won't be sidelined long with a high ankle sprain.

But if he is, Rivera has a capable fill-in in DeAngelo Williams, the former starter and the franchise's all-time leading rusher.

Stewart injured his left ankle on the final play of the first half Monday in a 30-22 win at Philadelphia. Stewart missed two games early in the season with a sprained right ankle.

High ankle sprains often take weeks to heal. But Rivera hopes that's not the case.

“It wasn't as bad, that much I know. And it was on his opposite foot, so we'll see how he progresses and go from there,” Rivera said. “We'll see how he responds to the treatment. I saw him coming in today walking. He looked OK. But I'm optimistic.”

Williams was demoted beginning with the Dallas game in Week 7 when the Panthers went to a traditional rushing attack. They have since resumed using more zone-read packages, although Stewart has remained the starter.

If Stewart is out against the Chiefs, fullback Mike Tolbert will back up Williams at tailback.

--Joseph Person