"DeAngelo Williams missed his second straight practice Thursday, increasing the likelihood Jonathan Stewart will start Sunday at running back against the St. Louis Rams (3-4).

Williams sprained his foot in the final minutes of Carolina's 23-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers and hasn't been on the field since.

Williams will be a game-time decision.

In three career starts Stewart has been extremely productive, averaging 150.3 rushing yards per game with three rushing touchdowns, including a franchise-record 206-yard performance against the New York Giants last December.

Coach John Fox reiterated Thursday that Williams is "day-to-day" and wouldn't elaborate on the injury or Williams' chances of playing.

When asked if he thinks Williams will play, Fox said, "If I knew that I'd probably be doing something else, like at the racetrack."

"You always prefer to have everybody healthy, and we could have everybody healthy," Fox added. "We'll make that evaluation; it usually goes to an hour and a half before kickoff."

If Williams doesn't play, Mike Goodson will likely see additional carries as the No. 2 back, while Tyrell Sutton would likely be used as a third-down back.

"He's a player we rely on," Fox said of Goodson. "We use him in different situations aside from special teams. He's gotten his touches and will continue to do that. He's definitely gotten more practice time yesterday and today.""