Injured Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams 'ready to roll' vs. Saints on a short week

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) moves the ball as Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, left, heads back to his sideline after speaking with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll after the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Charlotte. The Seattle Seahawks won 13-9. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) (The Associated Press)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Panthers coach Ron Rivera says running back DeAngelo Williams has informed him he's "ready to roll" for Thursday night's home game against the New Orleans Saints.

Williams has missed six games this season due to injuries, including Carolina's 13-9 loss to Seattle on Sunday.

The franchise's all-time leading rusher had 72 yards on 14 carries in the season opener against Tampa Bay, but missed the next two games with a hamstring injury. He returned in Week 4 against Baltimore but suffered a high ankle sprain the first half and hasn't played since.

Williams has 106 yards rushing on 26 carries.

Ron Rivera says "it'll be a nice boost" pairing Williams with running back Jonathan Stewart, who has been starting in his place and leads the team with 217 yards rushing.

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