Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart "might" play Week 17, according to Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer.
Jonathan Stewart ‘might’ play Sunday, fantasy owners still need backup plans
The Panthers’ veteran running back continues to deal with a foot injury. We break down the fantasy implications.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jones' report stems from the words of head coach Ron Rivera, but Jones added that Rivera did not appear confident in Stewart's status. With Fozzy Whittaker ruled out for Sunday due to a high ankle sprain, the Panthers backfield would be occupied by Cameron Artis-Payne and Mike Tolbert against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Fantasy impact: Fantasy owners will have to monitor practice reports throughout the week to see if Stewart makes progress, but the expectation they should have is that Stewart won’t take the field. The Panthers would clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory, so it is conceivable that the team would play him if he is healthy enough to go. But for now, there isn’t enough information to suggest he will make his first appearance since injuring his foot in Week 14.
Artis-Payne would be a mid-tier RB2 in Stewart’s absence, and fantasy owners with Stewart need to continue rolling with their contingency options until new information dictates otherwise.
