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Panthers Likely to Give Rico Dowdle a Heavier Workload, Coach Says

Dave Canales cited Dowdle’s recent impact to justify rethinking the two-back plan.

Overview

  • Canales indicated he plans to move off the even series rotation and lean more on Dowdle following Sunday’s 40-9 loss to the Bills.
  • Over the past two games, Hubbard logged 26 carries for 65 yards while Dowdle had 25 for 133, with Dowdle outpacing Hubbard in yards per carry in both contests.
  • During Hubbard’s calf absence, Dowdle set a franchise two-game mark with 473 scrimmage yards and came within 17 rushing yards of back-to-back 200-yard games.
  • Carolina averaged 25.5 points and went 2-0 in the two games Dowdle started and carried the bulk of the load, compared with 11 points per game and a 1-1 record in the recent rotation.
  • No starter has been formally named and no roster move was announced; Hubbard, who signed a four-year, $33.2 million deal last year, is producing below his 2024 pace while Dowdle’s season average is higher.