Stewart will get the majority of the Panthers' first- and second-down carries, while Christian McCaffrey serves as the team's third-down running back this season, ESPN's David Newton reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart echoed much of the early sentiment by heaping praise on McCaffrey following Sunday's practice, saying nobody will be able to cover the rookie one-on-one, but the veteran remains a dangerous backfield option himself. At 5'10", 240 pounds, Stewart's physical presence has been a staple of Carolina's running game in recent years, and he'll remain the team's preferred option in early-down and short-yard situations. In that role, Stewart averaged nearly 70 rushing yards while totaling 16 touchdowns in 26 games over the past two seasons. With McCaffrey projecting as a dynamic pass catcher, he and Stewart figure to complement each other nicely, which could keep opposing defenses on their heels throughout the campaign.

Stewart is not concerned about his role heading into the upcoming campaign, when coach Ron Rivera has insisted he'll continue to see the bulk of Carolina's carries, Max Henson of Panthers.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart has been the Panthers' backfield workhorse ever since DeAngelo Williams departed in 2015. Without Williams around, the 10-year veteran Stewart has posted two of his four best seasons in terms of rushing yards. However, besides quarterback Cam Newton, Carolina has lacked another dangerous ground threat. Consequently, the Panthers drafted Christian McCaffrey eighth overall this year, giving Stewart another backfield mate. McCaffrey's versatile skill set should result in him being used in a variety of ways, but Carolina's coaching staff maintains Stewart will be the team's top option when it comes to running the ball. That seemingly solidifies the expectation that Stewart will lead the Panthers in carries, which is obviously a beneficial feature of his fantasy stock.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman expects No. 8 overall draft pick Christian McCaffrey to have an immediate impact in the Carolina backfield complementing Stewart and Cam Newton, Bryan Strickland of the team's official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gettleman said he's particularly impressed by McCaffrey's vision and quickness while running between the tackles -- perhaps suggesting the rookie could be an immediate threat to usurp Stewart's role as the early-down workhorse. At the very least, McCaffrey figures to have a key role catching passes while also eating into some of Stewart's rushing workload. Despite signing a one-year extension this offseason, the 30-year-old running back could be forced into a complementary role. The extension did reduce his 2017 cap hit, which should keep his spot on the roster secure.

The Panthers signed Stewart to a one-year extension through 2018, the team's official website reports.

EDGE Analysis

Previously entering the final season of a five-year, $36.5 million contract he signed in 2012, the 30-year-old running back was scheduled for a 2017 cap hit of $8.25 million. The extension likely redistributes some of that charge to 2018, ending any speculation about the possibility Stewart could be released. He had 218 carries for 824 yards (3.8 YPC) and nine touchdowns in 13 games last season, missing at least three contests for a fifth consecutive year. The Panthers could still select a running back early in the upcoming draft.

Stewart doesn't appear as if he'll be a cap casualty in the offseason, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. "We've got to get guys like Jonathan Stewart rolling," head coach Ron Rivera said last week. "We've got to put it in our backs' hands and get the ball to our playmakers."

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers seemed to be officiated under different rules last season, as the opposition made a concerted effort to make life difficult for Cam Newton. Granted, he didn't display as much shiftiness or instinct as he had in the past, which likely played a role in his failure to tally 100 carries and 500 rushing yards for the first time in his six-year career. Stewart's presence is thus key to keeping Newton fresh, upright, and able to spur on the offense with his do-it-all skill set. Owed $8.25 million in 2017, Stewart would be in line for 200-plus carries for the third consecutive campaign if Rivera intends to get Panthers running backs more involved. However, Stewart turns 31 in March, and his extensive injury history has always been a roadblock to reliable output in a given term.

Stewart (foot) rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries while also securing one of two targets for seven yards in Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Bucs.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran running back turned in a workmanlike performance, and finished the season with 20 or more carries in three of his last four games. With Cam Newton running less than in previous seasons, presumably due in large part to injury concerns, Stewart averaged a solid 16.7 rushing attempts per game in his age-29 campaign. His nine rushing touchdowns also represent his best total in that category since he crossed the goal line on 10 occasions way back in 2009.

Stewart (foot) is listed as active Sunday in Tampa Bay, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart has a lengthy history of foot injuries, which impacted his preparation for Week 17. Having said that, he practiced in a full capacity Friday and should be ready for his typical allotment of touches. If he's afforded such a luxury, he could strike against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed three of the last four opposing running back corps to surpass 100 yards on the ground, while also conceding four rushing touchdowns during that stretch.

Stewart (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart was sidelined this week prior to returning as a full participant in Friday's practice. While that seems to bode well for him suiting up Sunday, it's worth wondering whether his history of foot problems, coupled with the fact Carolina has been eliminated from playoff contention, will keep him out of the team's final game. With a questionable tag to boot, Stewart's status will need to be tracked in advance of Sunday's 1:00 ET kickoff. If he's unable to play, Cameron Artis-Payne would likely be activated as a third ball-carrying option to go with Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert.

Stewart (foot) is taking part in Friday's practice, ESPN's David Newton reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart missed practice both Wednesday and Thursday, but his return to action at least has him trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. That being said, given Stewart's history of foot problems, as well as the fact that the Panthers have been eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn't be surprising if Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert saw additional snaps to limit Stewart's workload. That is if Stewart is even allowed to play, which remains to be seen, so fantasy owners will have to monitor his Week 17 status.

Stewart was held out of practice Wednesday due to a foot injury, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stewart is no stranger to foot concerns, which have required surgery and forced multiple absences throughout his nine-year career. With nothing left to play for this season, his lack of practice Wednesday could be the first indication that he'll be among the Panthers' inactives Sunday in Tampa Bay. No matter what head coach Ron Rivera decides, Stewart's status will be one to watch as the weekend approaches.