The Carolina Panthers are hoping to have Jonathan Stewart back this weekend when the team takes on the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Stewart has missed three straight games for the Panthers leading into the postseason, but head coach Ron Rivera said that he is optimistic that Stewart will play. According to Pro Football Talk, Stewart was able to participate in practice on Wednesday and if he doesn't suffer any setbacks, it's likely that he will start for Carolina. Stewart has been dealing with a foot injury that forced him to sit out the final three games of the regular season.
The Panthers also had Ted Ginn and Kurt Coleman out in Week 17, but those two players were able to practice on Wednesday and should be ready to play on Sunday. Rivers said that he expects all three players to play, although Fozzy Whitaker could be out for the game while dealing with a high ankle sprain that he suffered back in Week 16. Ginn suffered a knee injury and was out for the Week 17 game, but the bye week in the wild card round has allowed the Panthers receiver to get healthy and he should be back on the field for Cam Newton. Whittaker missed practice for the Panthers on Wednesday.
Stewart practiced on Wednesday for the first time since he injured his foot and that is a good sign for his status for the game on Sunday. The Panthers are hoping that Stewart can be a full go against the Seahawks and even if he does play, there is a chance that Cameron Artis-Payne will get some work as well. Stewart had 989 rushing yards in 13 games this season and also added six rushing touchdowns for the team.
The Seahawks are coming into the game after a miracle win against the Vikings that saw Blair Walsh miss a potential game winning field goal in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks played without Marshawn Lynch last week and there is a chance he could miss the game on Sunday for Seattle.