Panthers expect QB Cam Newton, RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to play vs Chiefs

Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, right, hugs Buffalo Bills' EJ Manuel, left, after a preseason NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Aug. 8, 2014. The Bills won 20-18. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) (The Associated Press)

Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, center, reacts after the defense stopped the Buffalo Bills on a goal line-stand during the first half of a preseason NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Aug. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) (The Associated Press)

Coach Ron Rivera says help is on the way for the Carolina Panthers' offense.

Rivera says he expects quarterback Cam Newton and running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to play in the team's second preseason game Aug. 17 against Kansas City. All three practiced Sunday after missing Carolina's preseason opener against Buffalo.

That should help an offense that managed just 75 total yards in the first half of Carolina's 20-18 loss to the Bills.

Newton has been practicing since the start of training camp, but Sunday marked the first time the team allowed him to run to the zone read and carry the football.

Stewart practiced for the first time after missing the first two weeks with a strained hamstring.

Williams sat out the first game to rest.

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