Panthers sticking with 2-back system

The Carolina Panthers have no plans to abandon the two-back system.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that the Panthers would like to limit Jonathan Stewart to around 15 carries a game and give 8-to-10 carries to another running back.

"The thing you've got to be careful about in this league is you can't rely on one player at one position," Rivera said during the NFC coaches' breakfast Wednesday, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. "Running back has definitely been proven that you've got to have a good two-back tandem.

"And that's what we're looking for. We're looking for that complement to Jonathan."

Carolina has running back Fozzy Whittaker and fullback Mike Tolbert to take some of the pressure off Stewart, but will likely add another back in the draft after parting ways with DeAngelo Williams earlier this month.

"We want to make sure we have a guy waiting in the wings for an opportunity," Rivera said. "But not necessarily just waiting in the wings, but being a part of what we're doing in the game.

"And you've got to remember we've got to spread the ball to Fozzy. We've got to get it the ball Mike Tolbert as well because those guys are very capable players. They have shown they can be successful in what we do."