Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart leaves game with hamstring injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart suffered a hamstring injury midway through the first quarter of Sunday's 46-27 win in their home opener against the San Francisco 49ers.

With Stewart out the Panthers turned to Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert. Whittaker left in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion, but returned to rush for 100 yards on 16 carries.

Stewart's return initially was ruled questionable, but the 2015 Pro Bowl selection was ruled out for the remainder of the game at the start of the second half.

Stewart appeared to injure the hamstring on a 3-yard loss near midfield.

He had 9 yards rushing on five carries and 7 yards receiving on two catches.

Stewart was questionable all week with an ankle injury that didn't appear to bother him in the first quarter.