Jonathan Stewart to undergo extensive physical Thursday
By David Miniel
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will undergo an extensive physical Thursday at the Carolina Panthers headquarters.
The physical will determine whether Stewart will be cleared for the beginning of training camp.
"“Thursday is when we’ll get the definitive answer. Kind of hoping he’s ready to go, or ready to go in a limited capacity, once we get there on Thursday.” head coach Ron Rivera told the Charlotte Observer"
The Panthers have talked a lot about recommitting to their running game this year with Stewart himself, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert in the backfield. But it will be a lot harder to do if Stewart, who is probably the most talented out of all 3 running backs, isn’t able to return yet.
That makes it likely that Stewart could be used lightly in training camp and pre-season even if he gets the green light to return to full practice on Thursday.
He underwent surgery on both ankles earlier this year, missing all of OTA’s and mini camp. Stewart, 26, played in 9 games and started in 6 last season as he struggled with ankle problems throughout the the season before undergoing the surgeries back in January.