Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart might not be ready to play once he's eligible to be activated from the physically unable to perform list, according to Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer. Stewart was set to be the starting running back when he went down with an injury, and is now ineligible to play until after the first six weeks of the season.
Jonathan Stewart may be out for longer than PUP list return date
Jonathan Stewart could miss more time than the PUP list designation requires of him. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Stewart is eligible to return to the team after five games and a bye, on the Tuesday of that week. But according to Fowler, Stewart may not be ready to go at that point in the season. He might even miss the whole thing. He hasn’t been healthy in some time.
DeAngelo Williams is the starter in his absence. Williams has been very productive in the past, and at times has been considered better than Stewart. But he was benched last season before Stewart got injured.
Fantasy Impact: Obviously, fantasy owners aren’t rushing to draft Stewart at this point. He’s been a red flag since last season. This news means he’s not a smart pickup in free agency, and it also means that Williams will be given more opportunities to succeed. If you’re a believer in Williams’ running ability, it seems likely the job is his for some time, so draft him with confidence.
