Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will likely make his season debut on Sunday against the Falcons. On Wednesday, the veteran declared himself ready for Week 9, according to Steve Reed of the Associated Press. Stewart had been nursing an ankle injury and has been on the physically unable to perform list since training camp. He has missed the first seven games of the season for the Panthers.
Jonathan Stewart injury: RB declares himself ready for Week 9
The Panthers will have another option in the offensive backfield this Sunday against Atlanta.
Stewart is expected to play behind starter DeAngelo Williams for the rest of the season. Fellow back Mike Tolbert has been filling in for Stewart in his absence and has seen a major increase in snaps over the last few weeks. Stewart had surgery on both of his ankles in the offseason, so he will likely have to be slowly integrated into the offense.
Stewart has missed 14 games over the last two seasons and has not rushed for more than 770 yards in a season since 2009.
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