Artis-Payne finished with 18 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown in 13 games played this season.

Analysis: Artis-Payne, a fifth-round pick in 2015, played just 10 games over his first couple seasons, so this year was his first as a regular member of Carolina's 53-man roster. Despite reaching that status, however, he was handed half as many carries this year as his previous low mark for a season. While his career average of 4.3 yards per rush isn't too shabby, Artis-Payne just hasn't been able to crack the Panthers' backfield rotation. He'll aim to finally do so in 2018, the final year of his rookie…read more

Artis-Payne rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on seven carries in Monday's 45-21 win over Miami.

Analysis: Artis-Payne zig-zagged for a seven-yard touchdown in the third quarter, putting Carolina up by three scores for his first score in over a year. Artis-Payne's seven carries were a season high and the bulk of his production came on one 43-yard gain. Given the beating Carolina put on Miami and the possible desire to conserve the rushing abilities of Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Stewart, Cam Newton and others, it is hard to predict whether Monday's performance will lead to similar performances…read more

Artis-Payne rushed four times for eight yards and caught his lone target for two yards in Sunday's 17-3 win over the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Artis-Payne had been featured for just one offensive snap this season prior to Sunday, when his strong week of practice was rewarded with an expanded workload. Although his production was still heavily restricted, Artis-Payne will be pleased by getting in on the action.

Artis-Payne had a strong week of practice and could have a role in the offensive game plan Sunday against the Buccaneers, Max Henson of the Panthers' official website reports.

Analysis: Artis-Payne has logged just one offensive snap in four games this season, and he didn't benefit from Fozzy Whittaker's (ankle) absence in Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Bears. While it would be unwise to expect much this weekend, Artis-Payne eventually could start to push for some of Jonathan Stewart's workload, considering the 30-year-old is averaging only 3.0 yards per carry.

Artis-Payne is listed as active Sunday in New England, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Artis-Payne will be available on game day for the first time this season. With all four running backs on the 53-man roster active, though, it remains to be seen exactly how he'll be utilized. More than likely, Artis-Payne is slated for special-teams duty.

Artis-Payne is inactive for Sunday's season opener against the 49ers.

Analysis: Despite an impressive preseason, Artis-Payne was scratched in Week 1. He's off the fantasy radar as long as fellow running backs Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey remain healthy.

Artis-Payne is listed as the fourth-string running back on Carolina's initial depth chart of the regular season.

Analysis: The Panthers decided to keep four running backs after watching the 2015 fifth-round pick rumble for 180 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries this preseason. The impressive exhibition performance may have been enough to keep his spot on the team, but Artis-Payne is unlikely to have a significant role on offense unless fellow power back Jonathan Stewart suffers an injury. The more versatile Fozzy Whittaker is listed as the No. 3 back behind Stewart and Christian McCaffrey.

Artis-Payne had eight carries for 51 yards in Thursday's preseason finale against Pittsburgh.

Analysis: Artis-Payne finishes his impressive preseason with 28 carries for 180 yards (6.4 average) and three touchdowns, having thoroughly outplayed Fozzy Whittaker. It's still possible Whittaker enters Week 1 with the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, as Artis-Payne's lack of pass-catching skill is problematic for a reserve running back. The Panthers might consider keeping both players, with Artis-Payne essentially serving as Jonathan Stewart's backup while Whittaker serves as Christian McCaffrey's.

Artis-Payne rushed nine times for 37 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday's preseason game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Artis-Payne didn't get a carry until the second half -- featuring behind Fozzy Whittaker -- but he surely helped his case to retain a roster spot. His two touchdowns helped the Panthers clinch a one-point victory, which came after he led the team with five rushes for 70 yards and a score in Carolina's second preseason game. While Whittaker's varied skill set, which includes the ability to return kicks, makes him more likely to be active as the No. 3 running back throughout the season,…read more

Artis-Payne rushed five times for 70 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason game against the Titans.

Analysis: Artis-Payne's total included a team-long run of 43 yards. Overall, that production should help Artis-Payne's case to earn a roster spot, although Fozzy Whittaker remains a formidable competitor for the third-string gig behind Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey.

Artis-Payne rushed six times for 22 yards in Wednesday's preseason game against the Texans.

Analysis: Artis-Payne went for a game-long run of 20 yards, which boosted his final numbers. With Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey cemented as Carolina's top two running backs, Artis-Payne figures to compete with Fozzy Whittaker and Jalen Simmons for a roster spot. While Whittaker, the favorite to nab the third running back role, was used sparingly Wednesday, Simmons finished with nine carries for 38 yards.

Artis-Payne is on the roster bubble, USA Today's Lucas Ewing reports.

Analysis: A 2015 fifth-round selection, Artis-Payne has taken 81 carries for 327 yards (4.0 average) and three touchdowns in 10 career games, while adding only six receptions and logging just 14 snaps on special teams. He may get a shot to push Fozzy Whittaker for the No. 3 job, but Whittaker has an advantage due to his pass-catching chops, special teams contributions and two-year, $2.5 million contract. Even if Artis-Payne were to make the team, he'd have a tough time getting touches in a backfield led…read more

Artis-Payne rushed 36 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching his lone target for 11 yards in just three games played this season.

Analysis: Artis-Payne, Carolina's 2015 fifth-round pick, was a healthy scratch for the vast majority of this season despite doing fairly well in his limited action. Coach Ron Rivera indicated that Artis-Payne's similar skill set to starting tailback Jonathan Stewart makes him somewhat redundant when all the Panthers running backs are healthy. As a result, Fozzy Whittaker was preferred as a change-of-pace option behind Stewart, with fullback Mike Tolbert and quarterback Cam Newton also factoring into…read more

Artis-Payne is inactive for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: As is tradition when Jonathan Stewart is healthy, Artis-Payne won't be available to the Panthers' backfield for the 11th straight contest. Stewart was hindered by a foot injury in practice during Week 17 prep, though, so Fozzy Whittaker (rather than Artis-Payne) could spell the starter at some point during the game.

Artis-Payne (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Analysis: Unless the Panthers lose one of Jonathan Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker or Mike Tolbert to an injury, it's expected that Artis-Payne will remain inactive as the low man on the depth chart in the backfield. Artis-Payne hasn't appeared in a game since Week 5 against the Buccaneers, when he logged 85 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries when Stewart was sitting out with an injury.

Artis-Payne (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Analysis: With Jonathan Stewart now healthy and Fozzy Whittaker representing an integral part of the Panthers' special teams units, there isn't much of a need for Artis-Payne in the team's running back corps. He'll be inactive for a second straight week, but would likely see an expanded role again if Stewart were to succumb to another injury.

Inactive Sunday

Artis-Payne is listed as inactive Sunday in New Orleans, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Panthers must have supreme confidence in the health of Jonathan Stewart's hamstring, as Artis-Payne takes a seat for the first time since Week 2. Stewart will thus serve as the team's bell-cow back for the foreseeable future.

Artis-Payne rushed 18 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns in Monday night's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Artis-Payne dominated the Panthers' backfield workload, garnering 13 more carries than teammate Fozzy Whittaker and scoring twice from inside the red zone Monday. The second-year pro's first touchdown came on a one-yard, fourth-down plunge during the third quarter, and Artis-Payne found the same end zone with a 12-yard run on Carolina's next drive. After such an improvement from his prior 18 carries for 59 yards this season, it's somewhat discouraging that teammate Jonathan Stewart (hamstring)…read more

Artis-Payne gained just 12 yards on six rushes in Sunday's 48-33 loss to the Falcons.

Analysis: The backup tailback could get nothing going on the ground against a surprisingly stingy Falcons front. Artis-Payne out-touched backfield mate Fozzy Whittaker six to three in rushing attempts, but Whittaker became a factor in the passing game once the Panthers fell behind significantly, while Artis-Payne was shut out through the air. At this point, Whittaker clearly appears to be the more well-rounded back, and could therefore be in line for the lion's share of the work if Jonathan Stewart…read more

Artis-Payne is on pace to earn another start in place of Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) on Sunday in Atlanta, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: After head coach Ron Rivera all but ruled Stewart out for Week 4 on Thursday, Artis-Payne should receive the majority of carries among Panthers running backs, as he did this past Sunday against the Vikings. Artis-Payne managed just 47 yards on a team-high 12 rushes and hauled in his only target for 11 yards, but swapping out Minnesota's staunch defense for Atlanta's more yielding edition (the unit has allowed 4.8 YPC to opposing RBs) should be a boon for his prospects. Unfortunately for…read more

Artis-Payne led the Panthers with 47 yards on 12 carries, while catching his lone target for 11 more in Sunday's 22-10 loss to the Vikings.

Analysis: Artis-Payne got the majority of the work on the ground while Fozzy Whittaker was more involved as a receiver out of the backfield. The 2015 fifth-rounder looks like the Carolina running back to own until Jonathan Stewart (hamstring) comes back, but he'll still cede many goal-line carries to quarterback Cam Newton.

Slated to start Sunday

Artis-Payne will start at running back Sunday against the Vikings, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Artis-Payne's first career start will also be his first appearance of this season, as teammate Jonathan Stewart's (hamstring) absence makes his similar skill set a more natural replacement within Carolina's first-team offense than Fozzy Whittaker. That being said, coach Ron Rivera said the two tailbacks are likely to receive a fairly equal split of carries Sunday, making it difficult to put too much stock in either player, particularly against a tough Vikings defense. While Whittaker profited…read more

Artis-Payne is in line for extended action due to the impending multi-game absence of Jonathan Stewart (hamstring), Connor Keith of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Inactive for the first two games of the season, Artis-Payne was unable to profit when Stewart left the field for good in Week 2's win against the 49ers. Instead, Fozzy Whittaker was the prime beneficiary, picking up 16 carries for 100 yards and gathering in three of four passes for 31 yards, while Mike Tolbert turned nine rushes into 25 yards. At this stage of his career, Tolbert is likely best contained to regular fullback duties and goal-line touches, so Artis-Payne's primary competition for…read more

Artis-Payne will certainly be promoted to a more significant role in the Panthers backfield if teammate Jonathan Stewart's hamstring injury limits him going forward.

Analysis: Artis-Payne was a healthy scratch for Carolina's first two games of this season, but that should change given Stewart's uncertain availability going forward. The second-year tailback Artis-Payne received a vote of confidence from coach Ron Rivera following Sunday's game, which echoed comments made during the offseason. Despite such praise, Artis-Payne watched Fozzy Whittaker and Mike Tolbert round out the Panthers' backfield to start the season, and the former totaled 131 all-purpose yards in…read more

Artis-Payne (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Analysis: Artis-Payne's placement on the inactive list is indicative of the Panthers' confidence in Jonathan Stewart (ankle) handling the bulk of the work out of the backfield. Barring a setback, Artis-Payne will likely be a regular DNP for the foreseeable future.

Artis-Payne is listed as inactive for Thursday's game at Denver, Bryan Strickland of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Artis-Payne fared only modestly in the preseason, averaging 3.6 YPC and notching five receptions for 54 yards in four outings. With the backfield safely in the hands of Jonathan Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker, and Mike Tolbert, Artis-Payne could be a regular inactive this season, barring an injury to the trio.

Artis-Payne gained 28 yards on nine carries and 12 yards on one reception (one target) in Friday's preseason game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Artis-Payne was far better than his stat line suggests, bouncing off would-be tacklers to provide one of the few bright spots for an otherwise toothless Carolina offense. He got all of his touches while most of the starters were still in the game, clearly working ahead of Fozzy Whittaker and Brandon Wegher. While both figure to make the roster, Artis-Payne seems to be ahead of Whittaker in the battle to serve as Jonathan Stewart's top backup. Whittaker did get a bit more playing time with the…read more

Artis-Payne rushed three times for 10 yards and caught two passes (on three targets) for 24 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Titans.

Analysis: Artis-Payne was involved with the Panthers' second-team offense, getting his first carry in the middle of the second quarter Saturday. That came after starter Jonathan Stewart, fullback Mike Tolbert and fellow reserve Fozzy Whittaker all touched the ball in some capacity. At the moment, Whittaker and Artis-Payne are seemingly jockeying for Carolina's No. 2 running back job, and even though Whittaker has featured more with the starters, the Panthers' third preseason game Friday against the…read more

Artis-Payne could get more snaps in relief of starting running back Jonathan Stewart this season, ESPN's David Newton reports.

Analysis: Artis-Payne finished his rookie season with 45 carries for 183 yards and one touchdown, but most of that production came when Stewart was injured for the Panthers' final three regular season games. However, in order to keep Stewart fresh throughout the upcoming campaign, coach Ron Rivera said he intends on reducing the veteran's workload by around five carries per game. As a result, Artis-Payne could be the chief beneficiary, as he's currently expected to earn Carolina's No. 2 job. While…read more

Artis-Payne finished with five carries for 10 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens.

Analysis: Artis-Payne enters his second season as the presumptive favorite to earn Carolina's backup running back job, but Fozzy Whittaker and fullback Mike Tolbert saw the first couple carries out of the backfield in Jonathan Stewart's (rest) absence Thursday. That being said, Artis-Payne was still handed the ball twice on the Panthers' first drive, so he was involved with the starters for the brief time they were on the field. Although his production was expectedly limited for the first preseason game,…read more

Artis-Payne has already lost around 10 pounds in an effort to get in better shape ahead of this season.

Analysis: Artis-Payne's rookie campaign started slow last year, but with starter Jonathan Stewart out for the Panthers' final three regular season contests, the former fifth-round pick capitalized nicely on his increased snap count. Now as he enters his second season, Artis-Payne is determined to improve his conditioning by losing a few pounds. If all goes well over the summer, Artis-Payne could emerge as the Panthers' No. 2 option at running back behind Stewart this season.

Artis-Payne finished his rookie campaign with 45 carries for 183 yards and one touchdown in seven regular season games played.

Analysis: Artis-Payne also hauled in five passes for 58 yards this season. The rookie fifth-rounder was often inactive during the early portion of the campaign, but saw his involvement increase after starter Jonathan Stewart was sidelined in the regular season's final weeks. In fact, Artis-Payne topped the 40-yard mark in each of the Panthers' last three games, and scored a touchdown in Week 17. In a rush-heavy offense, Artis-Payne's stock should improve heading into his second season, but having the…read more

Artis-Payne (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Super Bowl versus the Broncos.

Analysis: Artis-Payne dropped the ball in the divisional round against the Seahawks, but his relegation to the inactive list the past two games has more to do with the relative health of the backfield than any other factor.

Artis-Payne is inactive for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Cardinals, Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: The return of Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) to full health has spurred the Panthers to keep just three running backs active in the do-or-die situation. As a result, Artis-Payne will take a seat for the first time since Week 14.

Artis-Payne gained 44 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown, while also securing both of his targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 38-10 victory over the Bucs.

Analysis: The rookie running back equaled the season high in carries he'd received in Week 15 versus the Giants, and scored his first career touchdown on a game-high 11-yard second-quarter rush. Artis-Payne has garnered some valuable reps over the last three games during Jonathan Stewart's (foot) absence, and it remains to be seen how Carolina will deploy their backfield rotation in the postseason.

Artis-Payne rushed five times for 49 yards, including 31 on one play, and caught his only target for seven receiving yards Sunday against the Falcons.

Analysis: Fozzy Whittaker also received five carries, which he turned in to 32 yards, but the Panthers' running game was fairly limited Sunday, at least from the running backs (quarterback Cam Newton rushed seven times for 46 yards and a touchdown). With Jonathan Stewart (foot) likely out for Week 17 against the Buccaneers, and Fozzy Whittaker suffering an ankle injury Sunday, Artis-Payne could get many more touches in the regular-season finale.

Cameron Artis-Payne: Steady performance as primary back versus Giants

Artis-Pane carried 14 times for 59 yards and caught both of his targets for another 34 yards in Sunday's win over the Giants.

Analysis: The rookie played well in his first extended look of the season as a fill-in for the injured Jonathan Stewart, averaging nearly six yards per touch as the primary back. Stewart should be considered questionable for Week 16 with a foot injury, although the Panthers are unlikely to insert him back into a game until the issue is completely resolved. Another start for Artis-Pane and a matchup against a vulnerable Falcons run defense would make him an intriguing play, should Stewart sit again.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Friday that he expects Artis-Payne to be involved in the offense early in Sunday's game against the Giants, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Analysis: Despite Rivera's assertion that Fozzy Whittaker or Mike Tolbert will start, it won't be surprising if Artis-Payne ends up with the most carries. However, the rookie still appears to have a pretty limited ceiling, as Whittaker is the favorite for passing-down work, with Tolbert most likely to get goal-line carries. It's still anyone's guess as to which of the three ends up having the best game.

Artis-Payne is expected to have a role in the Panthers' backfield Sunday versus the Giants in New York, Max Henson of the Panthers' official site reports.

Analysis: Head coach Ron Rivera opened media availability Wednesday with the news that Jonathan Stewart won't play in Week 15 due to a sprained left foot, which he sustained during Sunday's win against the Falcons. With that out of the way, Rivera relayed that either Fozzy Whittaker or Mike Tolbert will start this Sunday, but Artis-Payne should also get in the act, calling it a "big opportunity" for the rookie. In four brief appearances this season, he's notched 12 carries for 31 yards among 23 total…read more