Getty Images

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday they dodged a bullet with running back Jonathan Stewart last week.

But they’re not taking any chances.

Via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, the Panthers running back isn’t practicing today, which isn’t necessarily a surprise.

Rivera said Stewart — who got four weeks off with a foot sprain — had someone roll on his ankle in last week’s divisional round game against the Seahawks. So since they’ve been very patient with him, it makes sense that they’re giving him some rest this week.

Stewart came back to run for 106 yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks, after running for 989 yards in 13 regular season games.

The Panthers also got backup Fozzy Whittaker back to practice Wednesday, after a close to a month off with a high-ankle sprain. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready to go this week after not playing since Week 16, but he’d at least give them some more experienced depth, or cover if Stewart can’t go.