The Panthers are still awaiting word on an MRI on defensive end Jared Allen’s foot, but they did have good news Monday.
Coach Ron Rivera just told reporters that running back Jonathan Stewart came through yesterday’s game in good shape, and that the “tweak” he felt yesterday was his ankle being rolled up on rather than an aggravation of the foot sprain that kept him out of the last four weeks.
Stewart coming back was a huge factor for the Panthers from the start yesterday, with a 59-yard run on the first play of the game, finishing with 106 yards and two touchdowns.
They spotted him in and out in the second half over injury concerns, but having him well enough to play against the Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game will be big for the Panthers, in terms of both his running and his pass protection.