Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera confirmed on Thursday that he will deploy a committee approach in the backfield with Jonathan Stewart sidelined, according to Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer.
Panthers will use committee while Jonathan Stewart’s out, fantasy value low for backup RBs
The Panthers will use a three-headed attack against the Giants while they keep Jonathan Stewart on the shelf. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Mike Tolbert, Cameron Artis-Payne and Fozzy Whittaker can all be expected to see work on Sunday against the New York Giants. With the Panthers sitting at 13-0, it would be in their best interest to consider preserving their veterans for a playoff run. Though no serious injury was detected in Stewart's MRI on Monday, holding him out of action indicates the Panthers will be cautious with him down the stretch of the season.
Fantasy impact: Fantasy owners should be concerned not just about Stewart, but any of the Panthers usual starters as they approach the end of the season. A win on Sunday and a Cardinals loss would mean they clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed, and could potentially mean that they rest their starters and veterans.
Depending on the results of Week 15’s matchup, fantasy owners need to be prepared for Stewart’s absence to be multiple weeks even if he is healthy enough to start.
