CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne has been on the inactive list the first two weeks of the NFL season, but you would never know it.

“My confidence is through the roof,’’ the second-year back out of Auburn said.

Artis-Payne won’t be inactive on Sunday when the Panthers (1-1) host the Minnesota Vikings (2-0) at Bank of America Stadium. He could play a prominent role with Pro Bowl back Jonathan Stewart out with a hamstring injury.

The Panthers haven’t said what the rotation will be between Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert. But they’ve consistently said Artis-Payne could be the every down back if Stewart can’t play.

Offensive coordinator Mike Shula didn’t shy away from that earlier this week when asked if Whittaker, who had a career-best 100 yards on 16 carries in a 46-27 victory against San Francisco, could handle that kind of load again.

Whittaker (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) still is considered more of a third-down, change-of-pace back. Artis-Payne (5-10, 220) is considered more of an inside power runner.

“We’re just going to see what happens,’’ Artis-Payne said.

If what happened last season when Stewart missed the final three regular-season games with a foot injury is any indication, Artis-Payne will be the lead back.

Artis-Payne carried 33 times during Stewart’s absence, compared to 17 for Tolbert and seven for Whittaker. He accounted for 60 percent of the team’s running back carries, collecting 152 yards and one touchdown.

Quarterback Cam Newton actually led the team in rushing during those games with 156 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. One hundred of those yards came against the New York Giants in the first game Stewart missed.

But the Panthers selected Artis-Payne in the fifth round of the 2015 draft out of Auburn, where he led the SEC in rushing as a senior with 1,608 yards on 303 carries, because they saw him as an every down back.

They like his physical running style, which is similar to that of Stewart.

While Artis-Payne admits it was tough sitting out the first two games, he’s ready to handle whatever load is needed. He doesn’t feel he has anything to prove.

“I don’t really worry about proving to people,’’ he said. “Everybody here knows I can play. So that’s not the big issue.’’