National Football League

Stewart won't play for Panthers

Published Sep. 9, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Ross Jones

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will be sidelined against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"Sorry panther fans but it Looks like I'll be missing the game opener this year due to my recent ankle sprain! I'll be helping my team today by cheering them on! lets go panthers!! #panther-nation," Stewart wrote on his Twitter feed.

Stewart, who suffered an ankle sprain in Week 3 of the preseason against the Jets, agreed to a five-year contract in early August. DeAngelo Williams will look to handle a majority of the load and the Panthers signed free agent Mike Tolbert in the offseason.