Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart believes that he has learned a lot about his personal toughness after battling back from an injury problem.

Stewart has missed the first seven weeks of the season after undergoing surgery on his ankle during the off-season and was placed on his side's physically unable to perform list.

"The process of something like offseason surgery that I had, the expectation was it would be something quick and easy and get back to what I'd been doing," Stewart told the Charlotte Observer.

"But then it turned into this long process. I've learned a lot about myself, what I can endure and a lot of things about my love of the game and being around people like this."

The Panthers are 3-3 in their season after week seven.