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On the Mend: Stewart says he'll be ready for training camp
AP Photo
Jonathan Stewart (28) was just a spectator at the Panthers’ optional workouts.
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Published: June 18, 2009
CHARLOTTE - Jonathan Stewart remains perfect in two offseasons with the Carolina Panthers.
Two injuries, zero practices.
"You're going to take some teasing. They're out there busting their butt with me just sitting on the sideline for the second year in a row," Stewart said moments after the Panthers concluded optional workouts this week. "I'm really taking the heat for that."
Stewart, Carolina's first-round pick in 2008, had little trouble after being held out of drills last year after toe surgery. He rushed for a rookie franchise-record 836 yards and 10 touchdowns, combining with DeAngelo Williams to give Carolina the NFL's top rushing tandem.
But Stewart was told that the lingering toe pain led him to his current ailment: pain in his left Achilles tendon. Stewart said that it got worse during Carolina's offseason-conditioning program earlier this year.
"I was overcompensating from the surgery on my toe," Stewart said. "It just lingered throughout the season. It just kind of flared up, so I'm pretty much staying off of it to just let it heal."
It left Stewart standing around for a three-day minicamp last month and for all 12 optional workouts this month. But Stewart, who did some light jogging with his teammates at the end of Tuesday's practice, promises he'll be ready once training camp opens Aug. 2.
"I'm going to be up and running when camp starts," Stewart said. "I'll be ready."
The Panthers need him. While Williams' career year of 1,515 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns captured the spotlight in 2008, the stocky Stewart gave the Panthers another option that wore out opposing defenses and helped Carolina go 12-4 and win the NFC South.
Williams and Stewart had the most yards rushing by NFL teammates since 1984, yet it's difficult for Stewart to focus on anything other than the Panthers' ugly 33-13 home loss to Arizona in the NFC divisional playoffs. The Panthers, falling behind early, abandoned the running game and Stewart managed just 12 yards on three carries. Carolina finished with 75 yards rushing.
"This offense, and this team in general, is hungry from last year," Stewart said. "Coach (John Fox) just got done talking about the Cardinals game last year, and how that bitter taste has been in his mouth since the past season. It's definitely something on everyone's mind."
Fox hammered home the point as he gathered the team for a final time before the players' six-week break before they report to Spartanburg, S.C. With all eyes on a difficult 2009 schedule, Fox had no problem resting Stewart in offseason workouts.
"I've seen good progress," Fox said. "What we're most interested in is having him ready for the season. I anticipate that being the case."
The Panthers, who have never had consecutive winning seasons, will depend on Williams and Stewart again. And after an offseason of mostly standing around, Stewart should be fresh.
"I don't see why we should lower our expectations from last year," Stewart said. "When our name's called, we just have to play ball. I think me and DeAngelo are capable of much more next year, running the ball and catching the ball."
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