Jonathan Stewart out Week 16 versus Atlanta Falcons
By John Buhler
Jonathan Stewart will not play on Sunday for the Carolina Panthers when they take on the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Week 16.
Jonathan Stewart will miss his second straight game with a sprained foot he suffered in Week 14. Stewart hurt his foot at home against the Atlanta Falcons and will not play for the Panthers against Atlanta in the Georgia Dome in Week 16.
Around the NFL’s Marc Sessler confirms that Panthers head coach Ron Rivera stated at the Panthers’ Thursday press conference in Charlotte that Stewart will not play on Sunday for Carolina.
Carolina looks to stay undefeated without their starting running back when they take on NFC South rival Atlanta at their place. The Panthers have crushed the Falcons in their last two meetings, allowing only three points of offense from the Falcons in both games combined.
The Panthers shouldn’t have any issues with resting Stewart for their Week 16 matchup, as they have a strong trio of running backs in Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy Whitaker, and Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert.
It is increasingly important that the Panthers have a full bill of health for when they host their Divisional Round game in a little less than a month from now. Carolina clinched a first-round bye and a 15th victory this season would ensure that the Panthers would have home field advantage in the NFC Playoffs.
Carolina still has an all-around ferocious defense, an MVP at quarterback in Cam Newton, a top five tight end in Greg Olsen, and one of the best coaches in the NFC in Rivera. Even without Stewart, the Panthers should do well on Sunday against the 7-7 Falcons.
The Panthers have not lost a regular season game in well over a year and all that stands in their way from an undefeated regular season is two division games against Atlanta on Sunday and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17.