Stewart (foot) is retiring from the NFL.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart is signing a one-day contract to retire with the Panthers after a lost 2018 campaign in New York. The 2008 first-round pick played 10 of his 11 pro seasons for Carolina, peaking at 1,133 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009. Stewart retires as the franchise leader in carries (1,699), rushing yards (7,318) and rushing touchdowns (51), finishing slightly ahead of longtime backfield mate DeAngelo Williams in each category.

The Giants let Wednesday's deadline pass without picking up the second-year option on Stewart's (foot) contract, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Stewart hits the open market approximately six weeks before his 32nd birthday. He's believed to have made a full recovery from the foot injury that landed him on injured reserve in 2018, but he'll have a hard time getting offers for much more than the veteran's minimum. It won't come as any surprise if Stewart decides to retire.

Stewart (foot) will become a free agent when the Giants decline to exercise the option for the second season of his two-year contract, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a foregone conclusion the Giants won't exercise the option before the Feb. 4 deadline, instead moving forward with Saquon Barkley and Wayne Gallman in the backfield. The 31-year-old Stewart seems to have recovered from the foot injury that landed him on injured reserve in late September, but the Giants didn't see any reason to bring him back to the active roster. He'll likely need to battle for a depth job if he intends to continue his career.

Stewart (foot) isn't practicing Wednesday and will revert to injured reserve, ending his season, Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back on Nov. 15, the Giants designated Stewart as one of two players eligible to return from IR this season, giving the team 21 days to evaluate him for reinstatement to the roster. Though Stewart is back to full strength after being shut down with the foot injury earlier this season, the Giants simply didn't have a need for him with Wayne Gallman proving to be an effective complement to three-down workhorse Saquon Barkley while also offering more value than Stewart on special teams. Stewart is under contract with the Giants through the 2019 season, though it doesn't appear especially likely that the club will retain the 31-year-old.

Stewart (foot) isn't practicing Wednesday and will revert to injured reserve, ending his season, Ryan Dunleavy of NJ.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back on Nov. 15, the Giants designated Stewart as one of two players eligible to return from IR this season, giving the team 21 days to evaluate him for reinstatement to the roster. Though Stewart is back to full strength after being shut down with the foot injury earlier this season, the Giants simply didn't have a need for him with Wayne Gallman proving to be an effective complement to three-down workhorse Saquon Barkley while also offering more value than Stewart on special teams. Stewart is under contract with the Giants through the 2019 season, though it doesn't appear especially likely that the club will retain the 31-year-old.

Coach Pat Shurmur said Stewart (foot) is healthy enough to play, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Giants designated Stewart as one of their two players eligible to return from injured reserve, bringing him back to practice Nov. 15. The team may ultimately decide to leave him on IR for the rest of the season, given that Wayne Gallman has proven to be a competent backup for Saquon Barkley. A final decision needs to be made by next Thursday (Dec. 6).

Stewart (foot) returned to practice Thursday, opening a 21-day window for the Giants to evaluate him for a return to the 53-man roster.

EDGE Analysis

The Giants placed Stewart on IR back on Sept. 28 after he failed to demonstrate much progress from a lingering foot injury. Shortly after the Giants dropped the veteran running back from the roster, coach Pat Shurmur clarified that Stewart would require about eight weeks to recover from the injury. Assuming that timeline is still accurate, Stewart would be eligible to return from IR as soon as the Giants' Nov. 25 contest against the Eagles. If activated, Stewart would likely handle only a limited role behind rookie Saquon Barkley, who has proven highly capable of handling a three-down workload out of the backfield.

Stewart (foot) is expected to face an eight-week recovery period, with head coach Pat Shurmur stating that there is 'potential to bring him back' from injured reserve, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Whether or not Stewart is activated from injured reserve likely depends on what other injuries the Giants face this season, as they are only permitted to bring back two players from the list after an eight-week inactive period. With Stewart out, Wayne Gallman is firmly entrenched as Saquon Barkley's backup at running back

The Giants placed Stewart (foot) on injured reserve Friday, Michael Eisen of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature of Stewart's foot injury is unknown, but it's serious enough that a lengthy recovery effort is expected. If this is the last down he plays in 2018, he'll finish the campaign with six carries for 17 yards. Moving forward, look for any RB touches not allotted to Saquon Barkley to go to Wayne Gallman.

Stewart (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Saints, Art Stapleton of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

This shouldn't have much impact on the Giants' game plan, considering Stewart had just six carries on 17 snaps after three games. Wayne Gallman could get a few more touches than usual behind workhorse Saquon Barkley.