Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Monday he expects rookie running back Jonathan Stewart to be ready to practice once he signs his contract. Stewart has missed all of the team's off-season practices while rehabbing from a turf toe injury.

   Players are scheduled to have physicals on Friday when they arrive at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

   "Right now he seems pretty good," Hurney said.

   The biggest thing is getting Stewart into camp on time. He and fellow first-round draft pick Jeff Otah have yet to agree to contracts. The Panthers really want to avoid a holdout similar to what they faced last year with Jon Beason, especially considering Stewart missed all of minicamp and is already behind the learning curve.

   CAMP UPDATES: Training camp is almost here, which means the excitement is in the air for football fans.

   Like last year, I will have live updates from Spartanburg immediately following each training camp practice. We'll tell you who is lining up where, who looks good and who's struggling. So make sure you check back frequently when practice begins Saturday.