According to the Charlotte Observer, Carolina first-round draft pick Jonathan Stewart could be the Panthers' primary kickoff returner next season as well as their featured running back. It's an area of serious concern for the Panthers because the team ranked last and next-to-last in the NFL over the past two seasons, respectively, with the two worst yards-per-return averages in team history (19.4 in 2006 and 19.1 in '07). The Panthers haven't had a kickoff return for a touchdown since Rod Smart did it in 2003. Stewart was one of the nation's top kick returners during his college career at Oregon. Stewart returned 58 kickoffs at Oregon for a 28.7-yard average, with two touchdowns. He ranked third in the Pac-10 as a junior. Stewart also rushed for 1,722 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Panthers expect him to compete with DeAngelo Williams for the starting running back position. (Updated 05/15/2008).
Injury Report
Toe - Questionable for the start of 2008 training camp (Updated - 4/26/08)
Fantasy Analysis
Stewart was unable to participate in minicamp practices this month because he's recovering from surgery to repair a turf-toe injury. He's expected to be ready by the time training camp opens in late July. When asked if he was concerned that returning kicks could expose Stewart to too much injury risk, coach John Fox said: "It's no different than when Steve Smith was our punt returner. We'll evaluate that as we go." The last thing Fantasy owners want to see is Stewart returning kicks because of the potential to get hurt. Keep an eye on what happens because Stewart is a solid Fantasy option in 2008, worth drafting in all leagues as a No. 3 option. (Updated 05/15/2008).
No information available at this time.
No information available at this time.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Carolina first-round draft pick Jonathan Stewart could be the Panthers' primary kickoff returner next season as well as their featured running back. It's an area of serious concern for the Panthers because the team ranked last and next-to-last in the NFL over the past two seasons, respectively, with the two worst yards-per-return averages in team history (19.4 in 2006 and 19.1 in '07). The Panthers haven't had a kickoff return for a touchdown since Rod Smart did it in 2003. Stewart was one of the nation's top kick returners during his college career at Oregon. Stewart returned 58 kickoffs at Oregon for a 28.7-yard average, with two touchdowns. He ranked third in the Pac-10 as a junior. Stewart also rushed for 1,722 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Panthers expect him to compete with DeAngelo Williams for the starting running back position. (Updated 05/15/2008).
Injury Report
Toe - Questionable for the start of 2008 training camp (Updated - 4/26/08)
Fantasy Analysis
Stewart was unable to participate in minicamp practices this month because he's recovering from surgery to repair a turf-toe injury. He's expected to be ready by the time training camp opens in late July. When asked if he was concerned that returning kicks could expose Stewart to too much injury risk, coach John Fox said: "It's no different than when Steve Smith was our punt returner. We'll evaluate that as we go." The last thing Fantasy owners want to see is Stewart returning kicks because of the potential to get hurt. Keep an eye on what happens because Stewart is a solid Fantasy option in 2008, worth drafting in all leagues as a No. 3 option. (Updated 05/15/2008).
