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Atlanta Falcons: Ranking the running backs in the NFC South

By Freddie Boston

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jonathan Stewart

2015 stats: 989 rushing yards, six touchdowns

It’s tough to put Jonathan Stewart so low on this list, but someone had to come fourth.

Stewart played a key part on the Panthers’ strong offensive display in 2015. The Panthers finished No. 2 in rushing offense with 2,282 yards on the ground. Stewart earned 989 of those on his own with six touchdowns.

Health has been an issue for him throughout his career, but he managed to stay relatively injury-free in 2015, missing three games late on, although the Panthers were extra cautious with him with the playoffs secured in the final couple of games.

Despite that, Stewart hasn’t featured in all 16 games of a season since 2011, and he’s only achieved this three times in an eight-year career. The key for Stewart is to be available for the duration of the Panthers’ season, and at 29-years-old it becomes that little bit tougher to do.

Expect Stewart to have another solid season in Carolina this year, and his role on the ground as crucial for the team. But when you take into account his injury history, it’s hard to put him above fourth on this list.

Next: No. 3

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