Panthers to go RB-by-committee to replace Jonathan Stewart vs. Giants

The Carolina Panthers’ running game has been a one-man show this season.

But with that one man sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Giants, Panthers coach Ron Rivera expects to go with a backfield-by-committee approach in the absence of Jonathan Stewart.

Fozzy Whittaker or fullback Mike Tolbert will start against New York, depending on the personnel set. But Rivera also wants to involve seldom-used rookie Cameron Artis-Payne, a fifth-round pick from Auburn who has played in four games.

Stewart, whose 242 carries are a career high, sprained his left foot late in the first half last week against the Falcons.

“Based on the way Fozzy and Michael played against Atlanta in the second half, you feel comfortable handing them the ball and having them in protections and in routes,” Rivera said Thursday. “But knowing again we want to get Cameron Artis-Payne some opportunities.”

Artis-Payne was asked whether coaches were getting him ready to play against the Giants. “I’ve been ready,” he said.

Whittaker, who had a 16-yard touchdown run against Atlanta, laughed when a reporter mentioned he might be popular pick-up in fantasy football leagues.

“I’m not worried about all that,” Whittaker said.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 4:36 PM with the headline "Panthers to go RB-by-committee to replace Jonathan Stewart vs. Giants."