Carolina Panthers

Panthers RB Stewart, WR Ginn, S Coleman return to practice

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Three Carolina Panthers starters returned to practice following injuries as the team began stepping up its preparation for the Sunday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Running back Jonathan Stewart returned to work after missing the final three games of the regular season with a foot injury. Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (leg) and safety Kurt Coleman (foot) also were back to work after sitting out Week 17, a game in which the Panthers beat Tampa Bay to clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Backup running back Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) did not practice.

Getting Stewart back would be a huge plus for the Panthers against the league's No. 1 ranked run defense. Stewart ran for 989 yards and six touchdowns before injuring his foot in Week 14.

---

Online:

AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL