CHARLOTTE, N.
[b]Nick Mullens Jersey[/b] .C. -- Coach Ron Rivera expects to have his starting backfield ready to play Sunday night when the Panthers host the Pittsburgh Steelers. Running back DeAngelo Williams and Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert practiced full on Friday and are expected to start. Williams is listed as questionable on the injury report; Tolbert is probable. Quarterback Cam Newton has been battling rib and ankle injuries but isnt listed on the teams injury report. Thats good news for unbeaten Carolina considering the Steelers (1-1) rank 29th in the league against the run after two games and allowed 157 yards rushing in a 26-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week. "The formula that we talked is being able to control the ball, control the clock and take the pressure off our quarterback," Rivera said. "Thats what were hoping for. Its great to have Jonathan Stewart back and Tolbert rolling and DeAngelo hopefully back out there." Third-string running back Fozzy Whittaker is doubtful with a quadriceps injury. While the running backs are getting healthy, Carolinas wide receiver position is a little more unsettled heading into Sunday. Rivera said there is some concern over starting wide receiver Jerricho Cotcherys status. Cotchery, who caught 10 TD passes last season for the Steelers, didnt practice Friday and is listed as questionable along with backup wide receiver Jason Avant. Both are struggling with hamstring injuries. Cotchery said Friday he ran in the pool instead going outside to practice and will be cautious with the injury, even though he desperately wants to play against his former team. "Im preparing for a long year," Cotchery said. "I came here to play to play ball in January and February. If I feel good on Sunday then I will go. But if not Im just looking forward to the long season." Rivera is anxious to get Williams back on the field. The 31-year-old running back sat out last weeks game against Detroit with a hamstring injury and the Panthers struggled moving the ball on the ground. Williams had a strong debut in the season opener, rushing for 72 yards on 14 carries against Tampa Bay. Stewart started in place of Williams last Sunday and ran for 37 yards and a touchdown against a Lions defence that repeatedly put eight and nine men in the box, forcing Newton to beat them with his arm. Tolbert missed practice earlier in the week with a bruised sternum after taking what he called the hardest hit of his NFL career last Sunday from Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley. Fairley came through Carolinas offensive line unblocked on a goal line play and levelled Tolbert, who was left gasping for air. The Panthers are looking for their first 3-0 start since 2003, the year they went to the Super Bowl.
[b]Tevin Coleman Jersey[/b] . Chan captured two silver medals at last months Sochi Winter Games — mens singles and the inaugural team event. But he doesnt have the urge to resume training to defend his world title when the event is held in Saitama, Japan, later this month.
[b]Terry Kirby Jersey[/b] . Yet heading to New York, the Habs remain positive as it all comes down to the one main ingredient that the organization has built its team on - character. TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has no concerns about the health of shortstop Derek Jeter, who was limited to 17 games last season due to leg injuries. Jeter is scheduled to play Thursday against Pittsburgh in his first spring training game of his final season. Cashman said Wednesday he is "more curious as to like how the weather report is for tomorrow than what hes going to look like." "What happened last year was unfortunate and unexpected," Cashman said. "Ive been conditioned not to worry about Derek Jeter, and I havent deviated from that." Jeter, who turns 40 in June, broke his left ankle in the 2012 AL championship series, then broke it again last spring during his rehabilitation. "Im looking forward to being out there," Jeter said. "I feel good now, so last year doesnt matter. Since Ive been here this year, everything has been like a normal spring. You cant really compare last year and this year. Two entirely different years. Last year I felt as though I was rehabbing, this year Im good to go." YYankees manager Joe Girardi is handling Jeters spring training in a normal fashion.
[b]Jullian Taylor Jersey[/b]. "Everything hes done has been good," Girardi said. "So, last year where we had some concerns, the way he was running, the way he was moving, we havent had any of that." Jeter got to meet 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston before the Yankees played Florida State on Tuesday. Winston is a closer and outfielder for the Seminoles. "Hes pretty remarkable," Jeter said. "I think its cool that hes playing two sports. You dont see that too often now." NOTES: 1B Mark Teixeira, recovering from right wrist surgery July 2, expects to face a pitcher in batting practice for the first time next week. He could be ready for a game in about 10 days. ... OF Alfonso Soriano (flu) worked out for the second straight day and could play Sunday. ... INF Eduardo Nunez is out with flu. ... If more improvements are needed to the roster, Cashman maintained any moves would not involve adding a big salary. "Weve spent our money," he said. ' ' '
