The Carolina Panthers had more than three running backs active on game days just six times this season. There's a decent chance Sunday will be the seventh.

With the Panthers getting ready for the NFC Championship against Arizona, starter Jonathan Stewart sat out Wednesday's practice while Fozzy Whittaker returned.

Stewart, who missed the final three games of the regular season with a foot sprain, tweaked his ankle in the divisional round win over Seattle. But he was able to finish the game and there's not much concern about his status just yet.

"It's just bringing him along," said coach Ron Rivera, who added Stewart did go through installation periods. "He played a hard game and we're just going to ease him back into action."

For Whittaker, it was his first practice since he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 17.

"It's definitely not 100 percent yet, but it's something I can definitely work through," Whittaker said. "And being able to practice today was a huge confidence booster."

Whittaker wasn't yet willing to guarantee he'll be ready to face the Cardinals, but Rivera added he's "on pace."

For most of the season, the Panthers made just three running backs active on game days — Stewart, Mike Tolbert and Whittaker. When Stewart was inactive the final three weeks, rookie Cameron Artis-Payne finally had a shot to show some flashes.

Whittaker's return could force coaches to make a tough decision — deactivate him or Artis-Payne on Sunday. But according to Rivera: "There's no dilemma."

Because Stewart and Whittaker are both at least somewhat gimpy, it's possible the Panthers will keep all four backs active as injury insurance.

For Whittaker, this game comes a year after helped end the Cardinals' season. With Arizona leading the Wild Card matchup 14-13 late in the third quarter, quarterback Cam Newton dumped off a screen pass to Whittaker, who cut back and went 39 yards for the go-ahead score.

"It was a pivotal point in the game, but we're not looking at that anymore," Whittaker said. "We know it's a different team on both sides of the football. It's a new year."