With only one win in their first five games of 2016, the Carolina Panthers can use all the help they can get. Having running back Jonathan Stewart back in the lineup this week should at least improve their chances of coming out with a win on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.
Stewart has missed the Panthers’ last three games with a hamstring injury. Carolina’s running back said on Friday that he is definitely playing on Sunday against the Saints according to the Associated Press’ Steve Reed.
Fantasy Impact: Stewart could not have picked a better game to return to the field than this week against New Orleans. The Saints defense is giving up the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season.
The question for Stewart heading into this weekend will be exactly how much the Panthers will use him on the field. Since he is coming back from an injury, they may want to ease him back into his old role instead of just immediately having him be their workhorse once again.
Yahoo! projects Stewart to gain 69 total yards on 14 touches against the Saints. But given his matchup, fantasy owners should still strongly consider including the running back in their lineups this week.