Panthers activate RB Stewart from PUP list
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart was activated from the physically unable to perform list Saturday.
Coach Ron Rivera said after Friday's practice that he would be officially placed on the active roster.
"Jonathan looked good and we'll do all the official stuff tomorrow," Rivera said.
Running back Armond Smith was waived to make room for Stewart on the roster.
Stewart had offseason surgery on both ankles but he continued having problems with the right ankle during the preseason, causing the Panthers to place him on the PUP list.
He finally returned to practice on Tuesday and in full pads Wednesday.
Stewart, the franchise's second all-time leading rusher, will back up starter DeAngelo Williams on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. It is Stewart's first game since his injury in November 2012.
Rivera said the plan is to get Stewart six to 10 carries.
Also, defensive end Charles Johnson (groin) and tackle Dwan Edwards (tackle) practiced Friday and are expected to play, and linebacker Chase Blackburn (foot) practiced Friday after sitting out Thursday but his playing status is a game-day decision.
