Overview
- Canales declined to commit to Chuba Hubbard reclaiming the starting role, saying the staff will “figure that part out” and that Rico Dowdle will remain a major part of the offense.
- Dowdle followed a 206-yard rushing day vs. Miami with 183 rushing and 56 receiving yards vs. Dallas, giving him 473 scrimmage yards over two games and a Panthers two-game record.
- Per ESPN and league trackers, Dowdle has climbed into the NFL rushing leaders this season, and Adam Schefter noted he joined a short Super Bowl-era list with consecutive 225-plus scrimmage-yard games and a TD.
- Hubbard has missed two games with a calf injury; the team indicated he could be available this week if he progresses in practice ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Jets.
- Analysts are discussing how touches could be divided when Hubbard returns, with some outlets floating trade scenarios as speculation, while noting Dowdle is on a one-year $2.75 million deal and Hubbard is on a multi-year extension.