Carolina Panthers will use Mike Tolbert in more offensive packages
By Bryan Rose
Both in 2011 and 2012, the San Diego Chargers gave running back/fullback Mike Tolbert a lofty amount of touches for a guy his size.
It paid off however as Tolbert, who had over 303 rushes in those two seasons combined rushed for 19 touchdowns on a four yard per average carry.
However, once Tolbert left the Chargers in free agency and signed with the Carolina Panthers, his role diminished as did his numbers as the former Coastal Carolina product was used more as a blocker than a rusher. It’s something that is likely to change this season, according to teammate Steve Smith who suggested the Panthers will give Tolbert more of a role on offense:
"“At times, we got cute,” Smith said. “We did things that weren’t necessarily us, like the underutilizing of [running back] Mike Tolbert. But we’re out of that. The past is the past.”"
Given the new offensive coordinator who wants to implement Tolbert more along with the questionable running back situation, it’s very likely Tolbert will see around ten touches per game, in addition to the vast majority of any goal line carries.
If he’s on your waiver wire in fantasy in a 12 team league, you may want to think about picking him up.