The Carolina Panthers had a rough season, and part of that is the injuries they suffered. Jonathan Stewart, one of the Panthers' running backs, suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of action for seven games this past season. As it turns out, the injury was severe enough to require surgery.
According Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer, Stewart underwent arthroscopic ankle surgery yesterday. Stewart expects the surgery to allow him to rehab and be ready for next season. Multiple sprains throughout the season led to the surgery, which was essentially just to clean the ankle up.
Stewart played in just nine games this past season. He averaged 3.6 yards per carry and finished with one touchdown. Stewart had back-to-back 10 touchdown years in 2008 and 2009. He dropped off a bit in the seasons after that, but continued to be a successful runner for the Panthers.
Carolina finished the season 7-9 despite high hopes for this season. With Cam Newton and a rebuilt lineup, the team hoped to at least contend for a playoff spot. Unfortunately, injuries and poor play derailed those hopes. With Stewart back, and many other rehabbing players expected to return, Carolina will look to improve quickly.
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