The Carolina Panthers have placed running back DeAngelo Williams on season-ending injured reserve, Darin Gantt of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Williams has missed the last three weeks with a strained arch. With the Panthers at 1-8, there is little incentive to risk the 27-year old Williams' career by rushing him back during what is guaranteed to be a non-winning season.

In six games this season, Williams gained 361 yards on 87 carries with one touchdown. Williams added 11 receptions for 61 yards out of the backfield.

A first-round pick (27th overall) out of Memphis in 2006, Williams has rushed for 4,211 yards and 31 touchdowns during his career, topping 1,000 yard twice (2008, 2009) and leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns (18) during the 2008 season.

Williams went to the Pro Bowl in 2009, and provided a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, will be an unrestricted free agent in the off-season.

Practice squad guard C.J. Davis is expected to take Williams' place on the 53-man roster.