The Panthers are going to be without running back Jonathan Stewart for at least another week, as his hamstring injury keeps him off the field.
Via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review, Panthers coach Ron Rivera said yesterday that it’s clear Stewart won’t play this week against the Falcons, which will mean another week of Cameron Artis-Payne starting and Fozzy Whittaker in relief.
They were able to survive that two weeks ago against the 49ers when Whittaker ran for 100 yards after Stewart was hurt (Artis-Payne was inactive that day). It was less effective last week against the Vikings.
When the Panthers offense is working correctly, they can use Stewart as someone to A) keep Cam Newton from having to run it so much himself and B) provide a rhythm to their offense which helps set up their deep passing game. Without Stewart, it’s harder for those slow-developing routes to come open, and Newton often takes more shots (as he did against the Vikings, who had eight sacks).