CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he has confidence in veteran running back DeAngelo Williams should he be forced to carry the load against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Panthers benched Williams, their all-time leading rusher, before Week 7 for Jonathan Stewart and he's seen a reduced workload since.

But with Stewart sustaining a high ankle sprain in Monday night's win over Philadelphia, Rivera said Williams could be thrust back into the starting lineup against the Chiefs (1-10) on Sunday.

Rivera said it's still too early in the week to know Stewart's status, although Stewart was held out of Wednesday's light practice.