Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart tests sprained foot on treadmill

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart ran on the treadmill Tuesday, the most activity he has seen since spraining his foot more than three weeks ago.

Stewart was not in a protective walking boot during the media availability in the Panthers’ locker room, but he didn’t shed much light on his status.

“I’m taking it day-by-day,” Stewart said before going to the training room.

Free safety Kurt Coleman suffered a foot sprain in the third quarter of last week’s loss to Atlanta, Panthers coach Ron Rivera revealed on Tuesday.

Rivera said it’s “not bad,” but didn’t speculate on Coleman’s status for this week.

Carolina would start Tre Boston in place of Coleman if the veteran can’t play. The situation at running back is more muddled.

If Stewart can’t play against the Buccaneers, the Panthers would go into the game with rookie Cameron Artis-Payne and undrafted rookie Brandon Wegher as their only tailbacks along with fullback Mike Tolbert.

Fozzy Whittaker has already been ruled out this week with a high ankle sprain.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart tests sprained foot on treadmill."