Jonathan Stewart's Status For Week 3 Is In Question

Jonathan Stewart Game-Time Decision For Week 3

A week after making his season debut, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart is listed as a game-time decision for the team's Thursday night game against the New York Giants.

RB Jonathan Stewart did not practice all week, listed as questionable. In same scenario Week 1 at Tampa Bay, Stewart did not play.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 19, 2012

Stewart missed some of the preseason and the Panthers' loss to Tampa in Week 1 due to a right ankle injury. Stewart's big toe is actually hurt, which is causing the ankle injury, according to Panthers head coach Ron Rivera:

As to why Stewart has been listed w/ an ankle injury when in fact it's his toe, Rivera said: "It's more of a thing where the toe's connected to the ankle." Rivera said it's not turf toe, however ... "I'm not quite sure how to explain it. But it's sore."

When he was in the lineup against New Orleans, Stewart helped Carolina's running game go wild against a shaky New Orleans defense. Carolina rushed for 219 total yards, with Stewart contributing 51 yards on 11 carries.

For updates on the game, check out Carolina Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jonathan Stewart Will Return To Panthers In Week 2

Jonathan Stewart will rejoin the Carolina Panthers for their game against division rival New Orleans this Sunday, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Stewart missed the Panthers' opening loss to Tampa Bay after suffering an ankle sprain in the preseason against the Jets on August 26. His absence hurt what Carolina likes to do best with the developing Cam Newton -- run the ball by committee. Stewart is expected to share time with fullback Mike Tolbert spelling starter DeAngelo Williams.

Stewart hasn't practiced since the injury, leaving the Panthers' roster thin on backs - Williams is the only designated running back other than Stewart. Williams was awful in the season opener, amassing -1 yards rushing on six carries.

For updates on the game, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, head over to Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation as well as Carolina Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

Jonathan Stewart Out For Panthers' Week 1 Game

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will not play in the team's Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Stewart wrote the following on his Facebook page:

Sorry panther fans but it Looks like I'll be missing the game opener this year due to my recent ankle sprain! I'll be helping my team today by cheering them on! lets go panthers!! #panther-nation

Stewart ran for 761 yards and four touchdowns last season, playing in all 16 games for the Panthers. Stewart's absence could mean more carries for DeAngelo Williams and possibly fullback Mike Tolbert in goal-line situations.

Kickoff for Sunday's game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.

For updates on the game, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, head over to Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation as well as Carolina Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

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Jonathan Stewart Injury: Carolina Panthers' RB Questionable For Week 1

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart did not practice Friday and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.

Stewart injured his right ankle in a preseason game Aug. 26 against the New York Jets. Stewart has not participated in any on-field practice activity since then.

Stewart is one of only two tailbacks on the Panthers' active roster; the other is DeAngelo Williams. If Stewart were to miss Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Williams would likely take the bulk of the rushes, and fullback Mike Tolbert would be a candidate for third-down and short-yardage situations.

Running back Armond Smith is available on the Panthers' practice squad. Smith was a rookie for the Cleveland Browns in 2011, signed as an undrafted free agent out of Union College, an NAIA school in Barbourville, Ky. He rushed three times for two yards for the Browns in 2011.

Stewart played in all 16 games last season for the Panthers, rushing for 761 yards and four touchdowns. He signed a five-year extension with the Panthers in August worth up to $36.5 million.

The Panthers kick off against the Buccaneers on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.

For updates on the game, stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, head over to Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation as well as Carolina Panthers blog Cat Scratch Reader. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, visit SB Nation's NFL hub.

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Jonathan Stewart Injury Update: Another Missed Practice

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart missed practice on Monday as he is still recovering from the sprained ankle that he suffered in the final preseason game against the New York Jets last week.

However, there is some positive news, as Stewart is still planning on flying with the Panthers for the team's season-opening game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday afternoon.

Stewart's status against the Buccaneers is still up in the air, but the fact that he is traveling with the team should give them some hope that Stewart could possibly suit up and play.

The Panthers only have two running backs on the active roster, so If Stewart is unable to play then his carries will be given to DeAngelo Williams. With the possibility of having just one active running back, the Panthers will likely have to make a roster move, and they do have an option on their practice squad in running back Armond Smith.

For more on the Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

Jonathan Stewart's Injury Is Sprained Ankle

The Carolina Panthers suffered a preseason casualty in Sunday night's preseason game against the New York Jets, as running back Jonathan Stewart left the game with an ankle injury.

Since the game ended, the team has confirmed that the ankle is sprained and Stewart will likely rest for the remainder of the preseason, according to Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer.

"It looked like he he had a twisted ankle, sprained it a little bit," said head coach Ron Rivera. "We're going to be very careful with it obviously. We got X-rays, completely negative. So we feel very good about that and we'll see how he feels in the morning. ... I'll tell you right now, he's not going to play on Thursday."

It's bad timing for Carolina, as Stewart signed a five-year extension worth $36.5 million earlier this month.

For more on the Jets and Panthers, please be sure to check out our blogs Gang Green Nation and Cat Scratch Reader, respectively. Also click over to our Football Hub, SB Nation New York and SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

Jonathan Stewart Injury: Panthers RB Injures Ankle

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of Sunday's exhibition game against the New York Jets.

Stewart appeared to injure his ankle following a seven-yard run and had to be helped to the bench by trainers. He was later carted off the field. Stewart had eight rushes for 24 yards so far in the game.

The Panthers running back has been looking to regain the magic of his 2009 season when he rushed for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year, Stewart recorded the fewest rushing attempts in his four-year career, but also registered his highest receiving total with 47 receptions for 413 yards and one touchdown.

For more on the Jets and Panthers, please be sure to check out our blogs Gang Green Nation and Cat Scratch Reader, respectively. Also click over to our Football Hub, SB Nation New York and SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.