Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (knee) has been ruled out and won't play in the team's Week 17 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Stewart did not practice all week and has a shot a returning for the playoffs.
Jonathan Stewart injury update: RB out, won’t play for fantasy owners
The Panthers running back has been ruled out and won’t suit up in Week 17. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Fantasy Impact: With Stewart out of the mix, DeAngelo Williams will continue to handle lead-back duties. Stuck in the three-back timeshare will Williams and Mike Tolbert, Stewart never had much of a chance to get anything going. Stewart didn't rush for more than 43 yards in any of the six games he played and didn't find the end zone once.
Williams is the Panthers back to own this week, and will be in line for 10-15 carries. He hasn’t been much of a difference-maker for fantasy owners with only four touchdowns on the year and one game over 100 yards. Tolbert continues to vulture the goal line work and has seven touchdowns on the year.
The Falcons do present a favorable matchup but this isn’t a situation for owners to get overly excited about. WIlliams remains an average RB2 and owners in touchdown-heavy leagues can continue to play Tolbert as a flex option.
• Week 17 fantasy football position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST
