Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams will not play in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Williams is dealing with a hand injury and was listed as questionable on the injury report Friday, but Head Coach Ron Rivera suggested that Williams would only play in an emergency situation. In other words, Jonathan Stewart will start, and will play the entire game unless he goes down with injury.
DeAngelo Williams injury update: Panthers RB will be an ‘emergency back,’ Jonathan Stewart has fantasy value
Williams will only be used in emergencies on Sunday. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Stewart has been playing solid football over the past few weeks, putting up 85 yards against the Minnesota Vikings, 155 yards against the New Orleans Saints and 75 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Carolina’s past three games. On the year, he’s got 138 carries for 638 yards and three touchdowns. Williams has struggled, with 63 carries for 219 yards and no touchdowns.
Fantasy Impact: Williams being inactive is good news for fantasy owners with Stewart in their lineups. The Panthers generally stick with a two-back system when it comes to Stewart and Williams, but Stewart has clearly been the better back this season. Against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Stewart is definitely worth a start.
