Fantasy Football: 5 Late-Round Running Backs With Early-Season Roles
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
With Christian McCaffrey in town, Jonathan Stewart has gone slipping down the tubes. And, to an extent, it's easy to see why. He won't see passing-game usage, and McCaffrey figures to cut into his carry load a bit, as well. But that doesn't mean Stewart's out of the equation.
Panthers HB snap count over first 16 plays: Jonathan Stewart 9, Christian McCaffrey 7. McCaffrey had the following 9 snaps as well
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) August 25, 2017
That was from the Panthers' third preseason game, snap rates that were in line with the second game, as well. Stewart may not have a role as meaty or as valuable as McCaffrey's, but he'll still be on the field.
Both due to injuries and ineffectiveness, Stewart struggled in 2016. And that's reflected in the Panthers' willingness to take a running back with such a high-leverage draft pick. But they didn't sign him to a fresh contract this offseason for nothing, and it means they still envision his having a role in the offense.
Center Ryan Kalil will seemingly be ready for Week 1, and Kalil's absence last year was a major factor in the team's rushing woes. Adding him back into the fold increases hopes for efficiency out of Stewart. As long as he's able to maintain a grip on the lead-back duties, Stewart's someone who should be a solid target for volume late.
