NFL

Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart’s January surgery was designed to remove a bone spur pressing into his Achilles tendon while also alleviating bursitis and tendonitis by shaving away excess calcium deposits and cleaning out his bursa sacs. Stewart originally thought he’d be limited to six games last season before requiring surgery, but his high pain threshold allowed him to get through the season. Though he had hoped to be cleared for OTAs, Stewart won’t begin running until June. The Carolina Panthers still expect to have him ready for training camp, but he could be limited early on — just as he’s been for the first two seasons of his career.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Free agent K Neil Rackers will visit with the Jets on Tuesday. Rackers reportedly turned down a $2 million-per-year offer from the Arizona Cardinals, and he doesn’t figure to do better with a Jets team that wanted Jay Feely to take a paycut. The Jets apparently aren’t ready to turn the job over to Nick Folk after all.

Philadelphia: Responding to a report that the Washington Redskins inquired about Donovan McNabb, the Washington Post says the team’s interest was “much earlier in the process.” Though Jay Glazer offhandedly “tweeted” the information, he did add that the Redskins’ interest was “more than just mild … they even talked players.” Mike Shanahan’s vote is reportedly “the only one that really counts” at Redskins Park right now, and he’s not believed to be seriously interested in McNabb. Glazer also reiterated that the Eagles have received offers from Buffalo and Oakland, but Andy Reid isn’t willing to banish McNabb to either team.

St. Louis: The player rep for Marc Bulger revealed that “there are a few teams waiting” for the quarterback to get released this offseason. Scheduled to receive $8.5 million, Bulger is as good as gone if the St. Louis Rams select Sam Bradford. GM Billy Devaney would trade him if he could, but no team is going to take him on at that salary. The Bears (with Mike Martz), Panthers, and Bills make the most sense as potential landing spots.

Baltimore: Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron expressed confidence that Oniel Cousins has “starter ability” at right tackle. “If Oniel Cousins winds up being the starter, we are playing with a starter,” said Cameron. “We’re not playing with a backup.” The team’s confidence in Cousins helps explain their apparent willingness to part with Jared Gaither for the right price. Cousins held his own in two games last season before LaMarr Woodley devastated him in a third game.