AP

The Panthers still have legitimate playoff hopes, but they may have to pursue them with only a normal allotment of running backs.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart is believed to have suffered a torn MCL in last night’s loss to the Saints.

Stewart didn’t return after taking a shot to the knee, though the Panthers had entered the point of the game at which running was a luxury they could no longer afford.

If he’s out, the Panthers would again have to go back to just DeAngelo Williams and fullback Mike Tolbert. They’re used to that, as Stewart had only played the last six games, after missing the first half of the season following offseason ankle surgeries.