FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 2/13/2013 11:54pm et

Updating a previous report, in late January, the Carolina Panthers and RB Jonathan Stewart made a slight adjustment to his five-year, $36.5 million contract extension reached last August, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Stewart was scheduled to make $1 million in fully guaranteed base salary in 2013, and after the renegotiation he will have his base lowered to $715,000 with a $2.5 million signing bonus. The move actually increased his cap number for 2013 from $2.8 million to $3.015 million in 2013.

Huddle Up: The Panthers know the point of reworking a contract is to reduce the cap number, right? Between Stewart and DeAngelo Williams the Panthers have a butt load (technical term) of money tied up in the running back position. It's unlikely Carolina would commit more money to Stewart if they were thinking of releasing him, which could indicate Williams might wind up a cap casualty. Unless Carolina's front office wants to rework his deal to take up even more cap room.

Posted: 1/15/2013 12:52pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart said he expects a full recovery from the arthroscopic surgery he had on his left ankle last week. Stewart believes the surgery will allow him to rehab both of his ankles during the offseason. He sprained his right ankle twice during the season and suffered a high ankle sprain in the left ankle.

Huddle Up: Due the season-spanning ankle issues that limited him to 9 games, Stewart easily finished with career lows in total yards (493) and total TDs (2) and his fantasy draft stock next summer will reflect that.

Posted: 1/12/2013 11:03am et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart said he underwent arthroscopic surgery Friday, Jan. 11, on his left ankle.

Huddle Up: No timetable has been provided for the return of the oft-injured Stewart. Get well soon cards can be directed to Stewart via Taz in the Huddle forums; he visits daily.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:58pm et

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 27, because he suffered a setback in his return from an ankle injury. Stewart may not play because of the injury.

Huddle Up: Stewart hasn't played since Week 12, and it's looking very much like his fantasy owners are going to have to continue to look elsewhere for RB help

Posted: 12/19/2012 7:18pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Huddle Up: Hampered by a high-ankle sprain, Stewart has missed the Panthers' past 3 games and could very well be done for the season with only 2 more contests left.

Posted: 12/13/2012 6:05pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 13.

Huddle Up: It looks as if it'll be the DeAngelo Williams show for the third straight game. Williams is coming off his best outing of the season (112 total yards and a TD on 19 touches), but any fantasy GMs who's rostered Williams for more than a few weeks can attest that the Week 14 showing was definitely the exception and not the rule with the RB.

Posted: 12/12/2012 4:33pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Huddle Up: It could still be another week or two before Stewart can come back from that high ankle sprain, which would be too late for your fantasy season.

Posted: 12/5/2012 6:14pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Huddle Up: This shouldn't be surprising considering he has a high ankle sprain. At this point, we may not see Stewart for the rest of the season. It's not like he was lighting up fantasy rosters anyway, but rest assured DeAngelo Williams is free to get you three points as the starter.

Posted: 12/3/2012 4:43pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) said his ankle is getting better Monday, Dec. 3, but gave no indication when he will be back.

Huddle Up: Stewart is unlikely to be of much help to your fantasy team as the season winds down.

Posted: 11/30/2012 2:48pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 30, and is listed as doubtful for Week 13.

Huddle Up: This was not unexpected considering Stewart has a high ankle sprain. DeAngelo Williams is not particularly good, though; Mike Tolbert gets a much bigger bump here.

Posted: 11/29/2012 3:46pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankles) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 29.

Huddle Up: That's 2 missed workouts in 2 days, it's increasingly looking like DeAngelo Williams will be shouldering most of the load Sunday in K.C.

Posted: 11/27/2012 3:53pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, and head coach Ron Rivera is calling Stewart day-to-day.

Huddle Up: High-ankle sprains typically equal missed games so prepare to see more of DeAngelo Williams in Week 13. As always, though, monitor Stewart's progress throughout the week before making any kind of definitive move.

Posted: 11/26/2012 11:49pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of the Week 12 game against the Philadelphia Eagles Monday, Nov. 26, and did not return.

Huddle Up: Stewart's frustratingly lackluster season took another turn for the worse Monday night as the RB left the game after compiling only 36 total yards. At this rate, Stewart is expendable in all but the deepest of fantasy leagues.

Posted: 11/18/2012 5:29pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart left briefly in the third quarter of Sunday's Week 11 game because of an ankle injury, but returned a short time later.

Huddle Up: Stewart was off to a decent start before the injury with 69 total yards and a TD, but only added 4 more yards on 6 rushes afterward. Monitor Panthers' practice reports this week to see how Stewart is coming along.

Posted: 9/28/2012 2:28pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (toe) was a full participant in practice Friday, Sept. 28, and is probable for Week 4.

Huddle Up: This is good news for the Panthers offense, which seems to stagnate without him. Having Stewart opens things up for Cam Newton, and his presence even seems to make DeAngelo Williams better. This week's matchup isn't bad either, though Carolina might have to play catchup early against the Falcons.

Posted: 9/27/2012 3:31pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart was limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 27. Head coach Ron Rivera said Stewart should be able to play in the team's Week 4 game.

Huddle Up: It's always something with Stewart; at present it's officially a toe injury that is plaguing the oft-injured back. He's also limited by sharing a backfield with DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert, and Cam Newton so plan your fantasy lineup accordingly.

Posted: 9/26/2012 4:25pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (toe) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Huddle Up: This is starting to look like a weekly occurrence for Stewart. The Panthers are better when he plays, so they hope he will be back soon. DeAngelo Williams has done little in Stewart's absence this year, whereas he had a nice fantasy day in Week 2, Stewart's only game thus far.

Posted: 9/24/2012 1:35pm et

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle, toe) should be able to play Week 4.

Huddle Up: Stewart returned to the field for week 2 but was held out of the early Thursday game following.

Posted: 9/20/2012 8:05pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle, toe) is not active for Week 3.

Huddle Up: The in-again, out-again season for Stewart continued Thursday. Stewart played in Week 2 -- rushing for 51 yards and scoring on a 17-yard reception -- after missing the opener and apparently the short turnaround to Week 3 didn't allow Stewart enough down time between games.

Posted: 9/19/2012 2:38pm et

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle, toe) will be a game-time decision for Week 3. He said Stewart will work with the trainers before the game to determine his status. Rivera indicated Stewart's toe is more of a problem than his ankle.

Huddle Up: One step forward, two steps back for Stewart. He had a fine 2012 debut in Week 2 after missing the first game with an injury, but the short week might just doom Stewart. This is bad news for the Panthers offense, which was stagnant without Stewart in Week 1. DeAngelo Williams would get the bulk of the work here, but he delivered a big goose egg in Week 1 in a similar situation.

Posted: 9/18/2012 3:57pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) missed practice Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Huddle Up: There were no indications that Stewart re-aggravated his ankle in returning to action Sunday, and this still seems to be a precautionary move with the Panthers' short week leading up to Thursday night's game against the Giants.

Posted: 9/17/2012 7:28pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not practice Monday, Sept. 17.

Huddle Up: Likely just a pracautionary measure after Stewart had 12 touches for 68 yards and a TD Sunday in the Panthers' win over the Saints.

Posted: 9/13/2012 11:38am et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart said he is optimistic about his chances of playing in Week 2 after returning to practice Wednesday, Sept. 12. Stewart continues to make progress in his rehab.

Huddle Up: Stewart actually had a better Week 1 than DeAngelo Williams in that he was not on the negative side of the yardage ledger. Working his way back from an ankle injury, it appears he'll be in the Panthers' backfield mix this week; whether that's enough to warrant a fantasy start given the number of cooks in that kitchen is another matter entirely.

Posted: 9/12/2012 2:34pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 12, but said he is making progress in his rehab.

Huddle Up: This is good news for the Panthers' running game, which was completely shut down against a Bucs team that was terrible against the run last season. DeAngelo Williams did not step in and perform well in Stewart's absence. Stewart might be limited in his return, though. That is, if he is on track to play this weekend.

Posted: 9/8/2012 11:28pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart's (ankle) status for Week 1 will likely be determined just prior to game time. 'We'll probably wait until Sunday to see. If he continues to progress, there's reason for optimism,' head coach Ron Rivera said.

Huddle Up: It doesn't look like fantasy owners will have Stewart available in the opener, but the door remains open a sliver ...

Posted: 9/7/2012 2:41pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Sept. 7, and is listed as questionable for Week 1.

Huddle Up: Friday practices are crucial to player availability and/or effectiveness on Sundays. Considering the Panthers also have DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert, they might play it safe and hold Stewart out altogether. Even if he plays, he is not a safe start. This also increases DeAngelo Williams' value significantly going into Week 1.

Posted: 9/6/2012 4:25pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. Head coach Ron Rivera said the team does have a game plan in place in case Stewart is not able to play.

Huddle Up: DeAngelo Williams owners, start the Panthers' RB if you need to. That's three straight days of missed practices and counting for Stewart, and it's looking like it'll be Williams -- and a little bit of Mike Tolbert and Cam Newton mixed in -- handling the Carolina rushing chores Sunday.

Posted: 9/5/2012 3:28pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 5, but did do some work on the side, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Huddle Up: Each day that passes without practice increases the chances that Stewart is limited or out this weekend, which in turn increases DeAngelo Williams' value in Week 1. Work on the side is good progress for Stewart and his owners, but until you see him participate in practice he should stay on your bench.

Posted: 9/5/2012 11:48am et

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday, Sept. 4, that he is optimistic RB Jonathan Stewart will be ready to play in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "It's coming along very well," Rivera said. "He moved around an awful lot yesterday, so he was a little bit sore today - a little bit more than we anticipated. He's moving around nicely. We are very encouraged," Rivera said.

Huddle Up: Stewart is nursing an ankle injury suffered during the preseason. Carolina's backfield is loaded so there's no need to rush Stewart back to action if he's not ready. If Stewart does sit, DeAngelo Williams' fantasy value takes a big leap up.

Posted: 9/4/2012 6:59pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) missed practice Tuesday, Sept. 4. Stewart had an extended workout Monday, Sept. 3 and is dealing with general soreness as a result of that workout. Stewart will travel with the team to Tampa on Tuesday and be re-evaluated Wednesday, Sept. 5.

Huddle Up: This has all the makings of a dreaded "game-time decision," and the Panthers have a late-afternoon kickoff in Tampa to boot. If you're strongly counting on Stewart, go ahead and wait. If you have other bench options -- hopefully you do this early in the season -- plan on using one of them, especially with DeAngelo Williams willing and able to pick up any RB slack in Carolina.

Posted: 9/2/2012 7:32pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) did not participate in practice Sunday, Sept. 2, and his status for Week 1 is uncertain.

Huddle Up: A good number of fantasy owners are keeping an eye on this as any absence by Stewart naturally pumps up the value of timeshare mate DeAngelo Williams.

Posted: 8/27/2012 11:52am et

Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart had X-rays Sunday, Aug. 26, on his injured ankle and they were negative. Stewart was on crutches after the game, and he is not expected to play in the preseason finale Thursday, Aug. 30, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Huddle Up: With X-rays negative is positive, but you won't see Stewart in Carolina's final preseason game. If Stewart is down for any length of time DeAngelo Williams is around to pick up the slack.

Posted: 8/26/2012 11:19pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (ankle) was carted off due to a right ankle injury suffered in the first half of the preseason game Sunday, Aug. 26, against the New York Jets.

Huddle Up: Injuries are the one thing that could bring clarity to the Panthers' RBBC situation, and unfortunately for Stewart and his fantasy owners, this could tip the carries balance toward DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert. Carolina still has 2 weeks until its Week 1 opener so stay tuned to this situation.

Posted: 8/18/2012 12:03pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (calf) suffered an injury to his left calf in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 17. The injury, however, does not appear to be serious.

Huddle Up: Appears to be of no significance and fantasy owners should expect no change to the value of the Stewart / Williams duo on Carolina. Stewart will likely be rested in practice and be ready to go week one of the regular season.

Posted: 8/11/2012 8:13pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart signed a five-year contract extension worth $36.5 million, including $22.5 million guaranteed. 'We are thrilled to be able to extend Jonathan for five additional years. He is a perfect fit for our organization. He is a playmaker who can make the difference in games, and we have seen the impact he and DeAngelo Williams have had on our team,' general manager Marty Hurney said in a statement released by the Panthers.

Huddle Up: This is somewhat surprising considering fellow RB DeAngelo Williams signed his own 5-year deal a year ago, and the team added FB/RB Mike Tolbert in the offseason. Along with second-year QB Cam Newton, Carolina's offensive backfield is set for the foreseable future. Things aren't nearly as clear for fantasy owners, who won't be able to start any of the Panthers' backs with any confidence, especially considering Newton had more rushing TDs (14) a year ago than Stewart and Williams combined (11).

Posted: 7/12/2012 7:25pm et

Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart said he believes offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski will go with whichever running back has the hot hand during games this season. 'You're a football player. When your number's called, you respond. That's just the way it's always been,' Stewart said. 'If you respond in a way where it's working, you roll with that package.'

Huddle Up: Going with the 'hot hand' doesn't make for fun fantasy football. But then again, Stewart's been in the 'hot hand' situation with DeAngelo Williams for years so we're used to it. Only now they've added Mike Tolbert to the mix.