Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart reminded teammates, fans and upcoming opponents just how dangerous he is with the ball in his hands, rushing for two touchdowns in Carolina's 28-16 preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now he has to prove he can stay healthy. But if Sunday night was any indication, Stewart could be back in a big way.
He only ran for 26 yards on four carries, but his explosive 17-yard burst and his two TDs has Panthers coach Ron Rivera brimming with confidence when discussing a potential running attack that includes DeAngelo Williams, Stewart and Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert.
Rivera said the Panthers have the potential to be "dynamic" if Stewart can stay healthy.
Stewart ran for 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns in his first four seasons, but ankle and foot injuries limited the former first-round pick to 15 games over the last two seasons and his production has fallen off dramatically. He missed the start of camp with a hamstring injury. With Williams also in the picture, the two will constantly eat into one another's fantasy production. Factor in Tolbert stealing short TDs, and Newton's rushing ability, and the potential of Stewart - and Williams - seems capped in the RB3 range.
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