CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cameron Artis-Payne is expected to start at running back for the Carolina Panthers against the Minnesota Vikings because Jonathan Stewart is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Coach Ron Rivera said Friday Artis-Payne would start unless the Panthers opened the game in a special formation that includes Fozzy Whittaker. Artis-Payne and Whittaker will split carries.
Also inactive for Carolina are wide receivers Brenton Bersin and Damiere Byrd, guard Tyler Larsen, defensive end Ryan Delaire, linebacker Jeremy Cash and cornerback Teddy Williams,
For the Vikings, recently acquired running back Ronnie Hillman is inactive along with wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, center Nick Easton, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and Mycole Pruitt.
The Vikings placed running back Adrian Peterson and offensive tackle Matt Kalil on injured reserve this week. Jerick McKinnon will start for Peterson.
---
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL