Panthers Injury Report: RB Jonathan Stewart didn't practice Wednesday

RB Jonathan Stewart has not participated in practice for the Carolina Panthers because of an ankle injury. Backup C Jeff Byers has also missed practice due to injury, while LB Jon Beason and WR Steve Smith returned to the field.

Four players are listed on the Carolina Panthers' injury report for their Week 1 game against Tampa Bay.

• LB Jon Beason, coming back from a knee injury that cost him most of last season, had full participation in Wednesday's practice.

• WR Steve Smith, who missed the final two preseason games with an infected foot, had full participation in Wednesday's, too.

• C Jeff Byers suffered a sprained MCL in the final preseason game.  He didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

• RB Jonathan Stewart, who has an ankle injury, didn't participate in Wednesday's practice. Coach Ron Rivera said Stewart worked on the sideline and in the pool. He was "optimistic" about Stewart's chances of playing against Tampa Bay. 

Tampa Bay had three players listed on the injury report. CBs E.J. Biggers and Anthony Gaitor both had limited participation in practice, and WR Arrelious Benn had full participation. 

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Carolina Panthers from blogger Shawn Krest, follow@CBSSportsNFLCAR.