Jonathan Stewart will likely return in Week 7

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart is eligible to come off of the PUP list in Week 7, and the Charlotte Observer’s Joe Person reports head coach Ron Rivera stated that Stewart is indeed on track to return in Week 7 and come off of the PUP when eligible. Stewart’s ankles have been an issue for some time, and they caused him to have a terrible, injury-plagued season in which he was only able to carry the ball 93 times and average 3.6 yards per carry.

Jonathan Stewart is still rehabbing his right ankle, but it’s certainly great news to hear that Stewart likely won’t be missing more time than the minimum required for coming off of the PUP list. It was initially feared that Stewart would be on the shelf for a few weeks after he was eligible to play, but it doesn’t sound like those fears will come to fruition for the Panthers.

In the meantime, starting running back DeAngelo Williams is making full use of the carries with Stewart out, as he is averaging over 20 carries per game and is the league’s third-leading rusher with 291 yards. Williams is averaging a hefty 4.7 yards per carry, and I think he’ll still be the Panthers No. 1 back even once the talented Stewart makes his return from the PUP.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe. Be sure to like us on Facebook here and follow our site on Twitter as well.