Whittaker finished with seven carries for 18 yards and five receptions (on six targets) for 47 yards and a touchdown in 12 games played this season.

Analysis: Whittaker entered his fourth season as a Panther coming off a career-high 82 touches in 2016, but after the team spent its first two draft picks on tailback Christian McCaffrey and utility man Curtis Samuel, his role always figured to be reduced this season. Despite Samuel not featuring much due to injuries, Whittaker was clearly an afterthought in Carolina's offense. Assuming the team's backfield remains intact, he'll likely be slated for a similar amount of action in 2018, his final year…read more

Whittaker rushed for three yards on his lone carry during Sunday's 31-24 win over Green Bay.

Analysis: The carry snapped a three-game touchless streak for Whittaker and brings his yardage total since Week 4 to zero. Rookie Christian McCaffrey continues to provide highlights while veteran back Jonathan Stewart keeps bringing power in between the tackles. Throw in one of the league's most mobile quarterbacks and there simply isn't much room for Whittaker to get much action week to week.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Whittaker will be active Sunday against the Vikings and could earn carries in the contest, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: While top backs Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Stewart don't carry injury designations into the weekend, both have been limited of late by shoulder and foot issues, respectively. That could prompt Rivera to act conservatively with the usage of both backs, which might result in Cameron Artis-Payne and Whittaker picking up a couple touches in relief of the top two runners. Neither Artis-Payne nor Whittaker will see large enough workloads to make much of an imprint in the fantasy realm, however.…read more

Whittaker is officially inactive for Monday night's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Whittaker missed the last three games with a right high-ankle sprain, but he did not make an appearance on the injury report this week. The good news is the 28-year-old appears fully recovered from the injury, but is still being held out in favor of Cameron Artis-Payne as the Panther's No. 3 running back. Neither running back should see significant or consistent offensive chances while Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey remain healthy.

Whittaker (ankle) is listed as inactive Sunday versus the Falcons, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Although Jonathan Stewart logged one limited practice this week, the Panthers backfield is otherwise healthy, so the offense can withstand Whittaker missing a third consecutive contest. Per Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer, Whittaker has been recovering from a right high-ankle sprain, making the decision a prudent one. Expect Christian McCaffrey and Cameron Artis-Payne to handle any carries not given to starting running back Jonathan Stewart.