Panthers place fullback Mike Tolbert on IR/designated for return

The Carolina Panthers placed fullback Mike Tolbert on the injured reserve/designated to return list. Tolbert, 28, injured his knee during Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was diagnosed with a hairline fracture.

The Carolina Panthers placed fullback Mike Tolbert on the injured reserve/designated for return list, the team announced Tuesday.

Tolbert, 28, injured his knee during Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was diagnosed with a hairline fracture. He'll be eligible to return in Week 13.

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In three games this season, Tolbert had 14 carries for 10 yards and eight catches for 59 yards. Last season, he had 361 rushing yards, 184 receiving yards and five touchdowns for the Panthers.

Carolina has several injured running backs. Starter DeAngelo Williams missed the past two games with a thigh injury, but coach Ron Rivera expects him to return to practice soon, according to ESPN's Ed Werder. Jonathan Stewart sprained his knee against the Steelers and is not practicing. He will be examined on Friday.

The Panthers rank 29th in the NFL in rushing yards this season.

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Carolina travels to play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

- Paul Palladino