The Panthers have a chance to wrap up home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs with a win this weekend and a Cardinals loss, but they may not have running back Jonathan Stewart available to help them with their end of the equation.
Stewart exited last Sunday’s game against the Falcons early because of a foot injury, but coach Ron Rivera said it wasn’t a serious injury after the game and suggested Stewart might have returned had the Panthers not been up by so much on their way to a 38-0 victory. That caution may extend to this weekend.
Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports that Stewart is dealing with a sprain and that his status for the game against the Giants is “unclear” at this point in the week. Given the Panthers’ record, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them opt to go with Mike Tolbert, Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne out of the backfield to ensure Stewart is healthy when the Panthers need him in the postseason.
Tight end Greg Olson had an MRI on his knee Monday and Person reports that he’s expected to play this week even if he’s limited during practice. Olson leads the Panthers with 65 catches and 969 receiving yards.
