Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker has been ruled out for Week 17, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Fozzy Whittaker out Week 17, Cameron Artis-Payne to be placed into fantasy lineups
The Panthers will likely lean on their rookie running back for Week 17’s matchup against the Buccaneers. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Whittaker suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and is hopeful to return for the playoffs, according to Rapoport's report. The Panthers will have an extra week of rest after clinching a first-round bye, and Whittaker could be involved in the mix once again when he is healthy. Cameron Artis-Payne will be in line for a heavy workload in Whittaker's absence, since Jonathan Stewart's status is still yet to be determined.
Fantasy impact: The Buccaneers pose a difficult challenge, even for a Panthers offense that is potent at its peak, but Artis-Payne projects to be the bell cow for Ron Rivera's backfield while Stewart nurses a foot injury. With so many injuries across the board at the running back position, Artis-Payne's usage alone propels him up the ranks.
Artis-Payne can be considered a middling RB2 option with a decent floor for Sunday’s slate of games, but fantasy owners will have to monitor injury reports to see if Stewart returns to the backfield.
