CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 17, 2005) -- The Carolina Panthers placed three-time Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis on season-ending injured reserve with a swollen right knee. Davis, who ran for a career-high 1,444 yards in 2003 for the Panthers, developed soreness and swelling earlier this week in his surgically repaired right knee. He had microfracture surgery on that knee last year, but returned this summer to recapture his starting position. The 31-year-old Davis ran for a team-record 12 touchdowns this season, but gained 3.1 yards a carry and has seen his playing time dwindle in recent weeks with 20 carries over the past month. DeShaun Foster started last week in place of Davis. Davis finishes the year with 549 yards on 180 carries. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney called the move "disappointing" and said the decision wasn't based on medical tests. "We felt like given his condition, it was necessary that we make the move," Hurney said. "What he does for us on the field, as well as his leadership he brings in the locker room is important. He has really helped out working with all of the other backs and made them better. He's extremely valuable to us and we think he can still help us out in that area." The injury raises some question about Davis' future with the Panthers. However, Davis said last week he would be willing to accept a pay cut to return next season. "Just like any other player, we will evaluate that at the end of the season," Hurney said. Nick Goings will be the backup running back when the Panthers play at the New Orleans Saints on Dec. 18.
The wheels have been falling off for 2 years now, but nobody notices with the emergance of Deshaun Foster. The Panthers will be fine.
Great player, sad to see him go. As for the running game of the Panthers, they have a young stud in the name of DeShaun Foster. He's already stepped up huge in the absence of Stephen.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HnM @ Jan 30 2006, 02:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I just hope he returns next season and helps the Panthers get to Superbowl 41.</div>For sure, wish him the best.
I heard somewhere Davis siad he will be back next year forgot if it was 610 Am radio here in NC but I heard it somewhere.
