The Carolina Panthers have been boosted by the news that DeAngelo Williams is expected to be fit to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The side's leading rusher missed Carolina's 24-7 victory over the Detroit Pistons with a hamstring problem, but returned to practice on Friday and now appears set to play in the primetime fixture.

Coach Ron Rivera may also be given the chance to hand both Mike Tolbert and Jason Avant minutes as they look to have shaken off injuries too.

The Panthers will be facing a Steelers side looking to bounce back from a 26-6 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens.