Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart, coming back from surgery on both ankles, will miss his third straight preseason game Thursday and might end up on the PUP list, reports the Associated Press.
"At this point anything is an option," coach Ron Rivera said after Tuesday's practice. "What you're hoping is you can get him on the football field and we'll see once the doctor gets a chance to look at him."
Rivera said Stewart will meet with the team doctor soon to evaluate his status.
Stewart is working with trainers on the side of practice. If he goes on the PUP list, he'd miss at least the first six games. In Stewart's absence, rookie Kenjon Barner is getting increased reps behind starter DeAngelo Williams.
Rivera also isn't ruling out Stewart for the Sept. 8 season opener.
"You'd love to have him but we'll have to wait and see how it goes," Rivera said. "It's going to take a little time."