Mike Tolbert hasn’t been used as often in Carolina as he was in San Diego, but he’s still a capable short yardage runner who has run for 12 touchdowns over the past two seasons as a Panthers, and caught another pair of scores last year on 27 receptions. Tolbert is a battering ram and is part of a three headed Panther backfield that has been injured and underwhelming since its creation in 2012.
Fantasy Upside
Tolbert will continue to be used in short yardage situations and because he has had 27 receptions in each of the past two seasons, he’s a versatile threat who can put up decent fantasy numbers on a good day. Additionally, this will be his second season under offensive coordinator Mike Shula, who uses a more traditional pro-style offense than is common around the league, leading to more opportunities for playmaking fullbacks such as Tolbert. His biggest upside however, is if Carolina’s two injury prone backs miss significant time, not a small possibility, thrusting Tolbert into more action.
Fantasy Downside
Unfortunately, Tolbert struggles with the same problems the other runners in Carolina do. The offensive line is a work in progress right now, Cam Newton vultures touchdowns away from his running backs, and Tolbert is part of a crowded backfield of players who will all garner carries when healthy.
Bottom Line
Tolbert is a low end RB option who belongs on your bench. He gets an increase in value in TD only leagues, where he can be considered a RB3 option, but in all other league formats, he’s a desperation start in most weeks. He’s worth a late round flyer as decent depth in most leagues, with the upside to get an increase in workload should DeAngelo Williams and/or Jonathan Stewart miss any time.
