Carolina Panthers

Panthers Injury Report: Week 2

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Carolina Panthers listed just two players on their Week 2 injury report: lead running back Jonathan Stewart and backup safety Dean Marlowe.

The Panthers injury report got a little lighter this week with only two names listed. Running back Jonathan Stewart and safety Dean Marlowe were both limited participants but have still been active on the side.

Stewart’s sore ankle is of much greater concern at this point. Reports from practice and head coach Ron Rivera have been positive and it appears the limitations are strictly precautionary. Regardless, Stewart’s injury history is nothing to ignore in this instance and as such it’s wise for the team to tread lightly with any soreness with their lead back.

In today’s press conference, Rivera mentioned Stewart’s status and that he was participating as planned, according to the Associated Press’ Steve Reed.

With the expectation that Stewart will play in the home opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, the team would likely leave second-year back Cameron Artis-Payne on the inactive list once again, as per usual. If any developments occur in the mean time though, the team will have to decide whether or not to take the gamble of having just Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert active.

Aug 5, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Dean Marlowe (29) during FanFest at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Marlowe, on the other hand, was an expected listing on the injury report. For much of training camp and preseason action, Marlowe has been hampered by a lingering hamstring injury.

The team has dealt with his shakily though and last week went into the game against Denver with just three safeties (Kurt Coleman, Tre Boston, Colin Jones) active.

Marlowe’s progress with the injury has been a slow one and the team is eager to have him back to shore up the secondary depth.

On Wednesday, Rivera mentioned that he though Marlowe would be healthy enough to play come Sunday. And with his participation this week, albeit limited, it looks as though the team is expecting the second-year safety to be available and ready to contribute.