May 16, 2008

The Panthers are looking for as many ways as possible to exploit the talents of first-round pick RB Jonathan Stewart, the way we hear it. Head coach John Fox announced this week that Stewart has a shot of becoming the team’s primary kickoff returner this season in addition to the workhorse in the backfield. Stewart had success returning kicks in college at Oregon, but there is some concern about his health as he continues to recover from surgery to mend a turf-toe injury, which kept him out of the squad’s recent minicamp. Some in Carolina worry that it could be too much too soon for what they hope will be the franchise back for many years to come. Stewart, 5-11, 235 pounds, would give the team a unique look on special teams — he’d be one of the bulkiest returners in the league. Fox is desperate for new life on that special teams unit, considering the Panthers finished last in 2006 and 31st in 2007 in yards-per-kick return.