Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, coach Ron Rivera confirmed on Friday. Stewart has been part of a crowded backfield with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert but Rivera said the change was made because he wanted to get his running backs into a rhythm instead of subbing in and out.
Jonathan Stewart to start for Panthers at RB: Fantasy implications
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will start in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. We break down the fantasy implications.
Grant Halverson
Stewart has not had more than 11 carries in a game this season but that could change beginning this weekend. The best rushing game for Williams this season came in Week 2, when he had 69 yards against the New Orleans Saints.
Fantasy Impact: This is not a surprise, as Williams had just two carries in last week's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Stewart was given a five-year contract extension before the season and it was time to make him the featured back.
This is welcome news to fantasy owners who have never been able to fully rely on Stewart because of the other running backs on the roster. Stewart isn’t a great start against Chicago but is certainly a No. 2 running back or strong flex play this week. Williams is not worth starting anytime soon.
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