Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart left Sunday’s game in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and didn’t return. He has suffered numerous foot and ankle injuries along the way.
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Stewart started the game and rushed five times for 9 yards and caught two passes for 7 yards.
Prior to Sunday, Whittaker’s career-high was 41 yards rushing back, that coming back in 2014 against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Panthers will also look to fullback Mike Tolbert and Cameron Artis-Payne to plug in for Stewart.
Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said Whittaker’s performance epitomized the next-man-up mentality that exists in every National Football League locker room.
Rivera said that he “feels good” about Stewart’s replacements. I just don’t see Fozzy as being a ground and pound run out the clock type of back for the Panthers and that is what they need.
The Panthers were cautious with Stewart after wrapping up the NFC South last season, hoping to keep him rested for the playoffs.
There is not much available on the free agent market if the Panthers want to add a veteran running back. “I hope he heals up fast”, Whittaker said.
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Rivera said he’s confident in the backup backfield committee of Whittaker, Mike Tolbert and Cameron Artis-Payne. We’ve had a next-man-up mentality that’s been very beneficial for us, and this is one of those circumstances. On 16 attempts at the end of the half, Whittaker had accrued -2.76 NEP. Injuries happen, as we saw on the fly with Fozzy. “You’ve got to go and Fozzy did a great job”.
