CHARLOTTE – Running back Jonathan Stewart (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game at Kansas City, meaning DeAngelo Williams will likely start for the first time since Week 5.
"(Stewart's) very sore and he didn't do a lot of moving around today," head coach Ron Rivera said. "Very doubtful."
"I'm excited about (DeAngelo)," Rivera added. "He's had a good week."
Defensive end Antwan Applewhite (hamstring) is also doubtful, and cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (hamstring) is questionable after missing practice for the third straight day.
If Munnerlyn is unavailable, second-year pro Josh Thomas will make his first career start at cornerback opposite rookie Josh Norman, and safety Sherrod Martin will fill in as the nickel cornerback.
"I'm very pleased with the play of the young corners," Rivera said. "We put (him) in a very tough spot from the very beginning, as far as Josh Norman is concerned. Josh Thomas has stepped up since Chris Gamble had to have surgery. It's a good group of young guys that are developing."
Martin played the nickel spot last week in Philadelphia when Munnerlyn was temporarily sidelined, and while Rivera was disappointed with Martin's three dropped interceptions against the Eagles, he's been encouraged by the fourth-year safety's progress.
"His tackling this year compared to last year has been very good," Rivera said. "He's really taken his game to another level in terms of improvement. That's what we like to see."
