Panthers Beat: Getting Jonathan Stewart rest

Dec 05, 2015

Coach Ron Rivera said this week he has a plan to get starting running back Jonathan Stewart some rest so he’ll be fresh for the playoff run.

Stewart has 20 or more carries in seven straight games, which is more than in any stretch in his career, as I’ve mentioned here before. Rivera also said this week he wanted to get Cameron Artis-Payne some reps. Payne has been inactive the last four games and he didn’t play the previous week. But if anything were to happen to Stewart, Artis-Payne and not Whittaker would be first up as the every-down back.

Whittaker is more of a third-down or passing-situation option. Having said all this, the Panthers will do whatever they need to do to get to 16-0. Winning is the focus. But Rivera understands the value of having Stewart fresh for the playoffs and getting Payne some experience for that “what if?’’ scenario.

Fantasy Impact:

We had a recent article that said the Panthers at least want to clinch a bye and maybe even home field advantage before resting Stewart. The more they win, obviously, the sooner that will be, so it's something for owners to keep in mind as we head into the fantasy playoffs.

today

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo "plans to play" TNF

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams despite his sprained foot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Guerendo, who is listed as questionable, insists he "feels good," sources said.

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette *if* Guerendo is forced out, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Otherwise, consider the fourth-round rookie a fantasy RB2.

yesterday

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo listed as Questionable for TNF

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 5:33 PM EST

— The 49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest), but RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable. So is Dre Greenlaw, who was full today.
— The Rams ruled out TE Tyler Higbee (knee) and Cobie Durant (chest).

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Rams WRs Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington Questionable for TNF

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 5:30 PM EST

Rams are listing WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), and TE Davis Allen (shoulder) as questionable for Thursday night’s game versus the 49ers.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson

Fantasy Impact:

This doesn't really impact Nacua or Kupp either way, but Atwell could log a little extra work here. Consider him a very deep league WR5.