After spending last weekend's minicamp in jersey No. 29, Panthers first-round pick Jonathan Stewart (pictured) is getting the No. 28 he's worn since high school.

Because safety Quinton Teal, a second-year pro from Coastal Carolina, had No. 28, Stewart was initially given the option of taking No. 29 or No. 30. He chose 29 and wore it at all five minicamp practices. He's recovering from toe surgery and watched from the sidelines.

Stewart and Teal were introduced over the weekend and became friends. Teal had no allegiance to No. 28 and readily gave it up to Stewart. Teal is now in No. 29.

The Panthers wanted to get Stewart's permanent number settled now, both for his comfort and so that sportswear manufacturers can begin producing Stewart jerseys to sell to the public.

The Panthers picked Stewart with the 13th overall selection in the NFL draft April 26. They believe he is an ideal fit for the power running attack they want. He rushed for 1,722 yards, 11 touchdowns and a 6.2-yard average last season at Oregon.

Teal was undrafted in 2007 and has a chance to make the team as a backup safety.