As a date with the chainsaw run defense of the Arizona Cardinals awaits in the NFC Championship Game, the Panthers will need to have their backfield at or near full health to stay competitive. Fortunately, Jonathan Stewart appears to be holding up his end of the bargain.
While pessimistic about the availability of defensive end Jared Allen (who suffered a foot injury in last week’s Divisional Round victory over the Seahawks), Panthers head coach Ron Rivera expressed confidence on Thursday in Stewart’s chances of suiting up for Saturday’s game, per Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Ron Rivera says he's confident Stewart will play vs. Cardinals. Not as confident in Allen's status.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 21, 2016
Stewart gauged Seattle for 106 yards rushing and two touchdowns, including a 59-yard score on the game’s first play from scrimmage. But he turned an ankle at some point in the contest, casting some doubt on his status for Saturday. It’s also a bit troublesome considering that Stewart missed time with a sprained foot towards the end of the regular season.
But the 28-year-old running back looks to be an all systems go against the Cardinals. That’s going to be critical for the Panthers as they look to crack an Arizona D that only gave up two 100+ yard rushing games to opposing running backs all season.
H/T Rotoworld
