Donte' Stallworth ready for expanded role

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth got a taste of playing time against the Falcons, an appetizer he feasted on with two reverses for 34 yards.

Now, he’s looking for an entree-sized role.

Stallworth was sidelined earlier this season with a broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

“It's amazing,” Stallworth said. “I look forward to just being able to play and expanding my role in the offense as the coaches get more confidence in my foot. I just want to work back into the games and just be able to get a feel for the offense and be able to do more and more.

“It felt good. I hadn't had the ball in my hands in a really long time. I almost forgot how to run with the ball. The guys did a great job of blocking. We obviously have a good running game here. That helped out a lot as well with the deception."

Stallworth is also looking for his first reception of the season.

He has caught 27 career passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns against the Carolina Panthers.

“That's the next step,” Stallworth said. “I've been beating Lardarius Webb all week. I look forward to continuing that in Sunday's game."

Special-teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg said that Stallworth is one of the candidates to return punts against the Panthers.

Webb is the primary punt returner, but lost a fumble against the Falcons.

“Yeah, if they let me do that, too, that would be great, every now and then,” Stallworth said. “If Webb needs a break and the coaches have enough confidence in me then hopefully I'll be able to make a play out there."

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