Jonathan Stewart’s Status For Week 3 Is In Question

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more on the Panthers go visit Cat Scratch Reader.

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