Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle recorded six carries for 38 yards to go along with four receptions (four targets) for 36 yards in Monday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Dowdle was one of the few players who the Panthers could rely on to move the ball. The Panthers ran just 43 plays in the game, which limited their opportunities to get Dowdle a big workload. His 10 touches were his fewest in a game since their blowout loss to the Bills in Week 8, where he had only eight touches. The former Dallas Cowboy was still quite productive with his opportunities, leading the team in rushing and receiving yards. Backup Chuba Hubbard was also more involved than expected in this game, handling three carries for 15 yards and four catches for 27 yards. Dowdle has been more active as a receiver to offset some rushing inefficiencies lately, adding 12 receptions in the last three games, fifth most among running backs in that span. Dowdle has another tough matchup against an NFC West opponent in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Nov 25, 2025 1:07 AM EST
In Week 11, Rico Dowdle totaled 100 scrimmage yards, with 45 on the ground and 55 in the air. He finished with 15 PPR points. Carolina's opponent for Week 12 is the San Francisco 49ers, who rank 18th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs this season. San Francisco's injury-riddled defense ranks 21st in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs over the past four weeks. Dowdle remains a must-start in all formats, especially as he provides a solid fantasy floor in any matchup. The 6-5 Panthers might stick close to San Francisco, so Dowdle should get enough work as a runner.
Nov 22, 2025 7:13 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle said that the team has not talked to him or his agent about a new deal, according to David Newton of ESPN. Dowdle is on a one-year deal for the 2025 season and is scheduled to become a free agent next March without an extension. The 27-year-old began the year as the No. 2 back behind Chuba Hubbard, but an injury to Hubbard gave Dowdle the opportunity he needed to vault himself into the lead-back role. The South Carolina product is now the team's clear RB1, even with Hubbard back healthy, and he currently ranks as the RB10 in half-PPR points through 11 weeks. Dowdle has 168 rushing attempts for 833 yards and five touchdowns on the ground and has added 23 receptions for 197 yards and another score through the air. At least for the rest of this season, Dowdle will be a must-start RB1 in fantasy football.
Nov 21, 2025 5:19 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle had one of his worst performances on the ground this season in Carolina's 30-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Carolina RB rushed for 45 yards on 19 carries while averaging 2.4 yards per attempt, his lowest since Week 2. In the air, Dowdle did have his best game since Week 6, as he totaled 55 yards on a season-high five receptions. Despite the disappointing rushing numbers, Dowdle totaled at least 15 Fantasy PPR Points for the third straight week. In Week 12, the Carolina Panthers will face the San Francisco 49ers, who ranked 21st in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs in the last four weeks leading up to Week 11. Fantasy players should continue to start Dowdle every week, as he provides a solid statistical floor in any matchup.
Nov 17, 2025 11:29 AM EST
Rico Dowdle has a highly favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Atlanta ranks 29th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to running backs. The Falcons' run defense was trampled in Week 10 by Jonathan Taylor, who registered 244 rushing yards, three TDs, and 49.6 PPR Fantasy Points. In his last six games, Dowdle had four rushing touchdowns, averaged 5.8 yards per carry, and averaged 21 PPR Fantasy Points Per Game. Dowdle is a must-start in all formats in Week 11, as he is capable of being a major fantasy difference-maker.
Nov 14, 2025 11:51 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play on Sunday against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Dowdle missed practice on Wednesday for the second straight week with a minor quad injury, but he returned to practice on Thursday and is now in the clear to play this weekend as Carolina's lead back. The 27-year-old has been one of the NFL's most dominant RBs in 2025, vaulting him into a top-five weekly play at the position in fantasy football. He played through his quad issue in last week's loss to the New Orleans Saints and had 21 touches for 64 yards. Dowdle is averaging a career-best 5.3 yards per carry in his first year with the Panthers for 788 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 149 carries. He has added 18 catches for 142 yards and another score. Keep him locked into your starting lineup.
Nov 14, 2025 12:54 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) was seen warming up at the portion of practice open to the media, so it looks like he will return to practice on Thursday, according to Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer. Just like last week, Dowdle did not practice on Wednesday before returning to the field the following day. The 27-year-old has been managing a quad issue, but it hasn't kept him from playing and serving as Carolina's unquestioned lead back. He will likely be limited on Thursday, but as long as he upgrades to full on Friday (like he did last week), he should be good to go for Sunday's divisional game against the hosting Atlanta Falcons. Dowdle has been the RB10 this year in half-PPR scoring with 788 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 149 carries while also adding 18 catches for 142 yards and a score. He's a must-start in fantasy if he's active in Week 11.
Nov 13, 2025 3:11 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) was held out of practice on Wednesday, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Dowdle continues to manage a quad injury and has been held out of practice on Wednesdays in recent weeks, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about his status for the Week 11 divisional clash against the Atlanta Falcons this weekend unless he also misses practice on Thursday. There was some uncertainty about how the Panthers would handle their backfield when Chuba Hubbard returned from his calf injury, but those questions have been answered, and Dowdle is now Carolina's clear RB1 as long as he's healthy. The 27-year-old has 121 rushing attempts for 705 yards (5.8 yards per tote) and four touchdowns while adding 13 receptions for 122 yards and another score in the last six games. He's a must-start if he plays against Atlanta.
Nov 12, 2025 3:24 PM EST
Rico Dowdle rushed for 53 yards on 18 carries and scored the team's only touchdown in a 17-7 loss to the Saints. He also tacked on 10 receiving yards on three receptions and logged 15.3 PPR fantasy points, marking the fifth time in the last six games that he registered double-digit PPR points. Against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, Dowdle has the opportunity to display his better form again. The Falcons ranked 31st in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to running backs (32.08) in the four weeks leading up to Week 10.. Jonathan Taylor trampled the Falcons with 244 rushing yards and three TDs while posting 49.6 PPR fantasy points in Week 10. Dowdle is a no-doubt starting option on all formats, as he is capable of being a major fantasy difference-maker in Week 11.
Nov 10, 2025 12:26 PM EST
Rico Dowdle is set for a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. Against running backs over the last four weeks, the Saints gave up 521 rushing yards, which is the fourth-most of all teams, and four rushing touchdowns, which is tied for the third-most. Dowdle was the clear lead back for Carolina in Week 9, playing on 73.6% of snaps. In that game, Dowdle rushed for 130 yards on 25 carries, with two rushing TDs, and he totaled 28.1 PPR fantasy points. In the last five games, Dowdle had three rushing TDs, averaged 6.3 yards per carry, and averaged 22.1 PPR Fantasy Points Per game. He exceeded 28 points three times during that span. With a plus matchup against the Saints in Week 10, fantasy players should start Dowdle as a prime must-start option in all formats.
Nov 8, 2025 1:25 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) was a full participant in Friday's practice and has been cleared to play in Week 10 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to the team. Dowdle did not practice on Wednesday, leading to questions about his availability for the weekend, but head coach Dave Canales made it sound like the team was fully counting on Dowdle to be available against the Saints. He was limited on Thursday before being upgraded to a full practice on Friday, so Dowdle should be fine to once again serve as the team's lead back on Sunday. The 27-year-old has been fantastic out of Carolina's backfield this year, unseating Chuba Hubbard for the RB1 role. In the last five games, Dowdle has gone off with 652 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 103 carries while also adding 10 catches for 112 yards and another score. Start him everywhere in Week 10 in a plus matchup.
Nov 7, 2025 12:51 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) appears to be trending in the right direction heading into Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle was seen stretching ahead of practice Thursday, after working on the side Wednesday. The emerging star is now wearing a helmet in practice, which is an encouraging sign. Continue to monitor injury reports through the weekend, with Dowdle viewed as a must-start if healthy. The 27-year-old has amassed 735 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 131 carries this season, while adding another 132 yards and a touchdown through the air. The Saints are allowing 129.4 rushing yards per game, and it is unlikely that quarterback Tyler Shough will be able to sustain drives and keep Dowdle off the field Sunday.
Nov 6, 2025 2:24 PM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the team is being smart with running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps), which is why he was held out of Wednesday's practice, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. "We're counting on him this weekend," Canales said. It sounds as though the Panthers are expecting Dowdle to be fine to play this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, but he'll need to get back onto the practice field in the coming days. The 27-year-old has taken over lead-back duties from Chuba Hubbard in Carolina by running for 652 yards and three touchdowns on 103 carries in the last five games while adding 10 catches for 112 yards and another trip to paydirt. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Dowdle's status the rest of the week, but as long as he's active in Week 10, he's a no-doubt RB1 against the Saints.
Nov 5, 2025 3:19 PM EST
Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a quad injury, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Dowdle has been one of the hottest players in football in recent weeks, so this is a situation to watch heading into Carolina's Week 10 game on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The 27-year-old ran for 130 yards and two touchdowns in last week's upset win over the Green Bay Packers. He is only the fourth player in franchise history to have at least 125 rushing yards in three games in the same year, joining Stephen Davis, Christian McCaffrey, and DeAngelo Williams. If Dowdle is unable to play this weekend, it will thrust Chuba Hubbard back into the RB1 role for Carolina. Dowdle's strong play when Hubbard missed time with injury has vaulted him to lead-back duties.
Nov 5, 2025 3:05 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (undisclosed) was practicing off to the side on Wednesday in the portion of practice open to the media, according to David Newton of ESPN. It's unclear what Dowdle is dealing with, but this will be a situation to watch heading into Carolina's Week 10 divisional battle on Sunday versus the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle has taken over RB1 duties for the Panthers by rushing for an astounding 652 yards and three touchdowns in his last five games while also adding 10 receptions for 112 yards and another score. If the 27-year-old's injury is serious enough to limit him or keep him out entirely this weekend, Chuba Hubbard would once again become a must-start in fantasy lineups everywhere in a plus matchup against New Orleans. Dowdle has had over 20 carries in three of the last five games and has even topped the 200-yard mark in that span.
Nov 5, 2025 1:47 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle had 25 rushing attempts, 130 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 9 win over the Green Bay Packers. He also caught two of his three targets for an additional 11 receiving yards. Dowdle was named the official lead back ahead of this week's game, and he wasted no time confirming the coaching staff made the right decision with his role. He averaged at least 4.65 yards per carry for the fifth consecutive week, bringing his season total to 5.61 YPC. After being somewhat of a non-factor through the first four weeks of the season, Dowdle has suddenly emerged as a potential league-winner in fantasy football. He is the RB3 in PPR leagues over the last five weeks, as well as the overall RB9 over the full nine weeks since the season began. He has a firm grasp on the No. 1 role in Carolina and should be deployed as a strong RB1 option in fantasy football ahead of next week's game against the New Orleans Saints.
Nov 2, 2025 7:23 PM EST
Rico Dowdle is a risky option in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, but with four teams on a bye, you may not have a viable alternative. The Packers' run defense has allowed 16.73 fantasy points per game to RBs this season, ranking third-best in the league. Dowdle was in a timeshare with Chuba Hubbard through the last two weeks, with Hubbard getting the majority of snaps. Head coach Dave Canales said that Dowdle will be the starter and will get the bulk of the touches this week over Hubbard. While Hubbard will be a part of the Carolina running game this week, Dowdle outperformed him at 5.7 yards per carry to Hubbard's 2.5 over the last two weeks, despite having the lower snap count. The matchup against Green Bay is not favorable, but with Dowdle expected to see the majority of snaps, he is a fantasy RB2 for Week 9. The potential volume signals that he should be kept in lineups.
Nov 1, 2025 12:40 AM EST
Carolina Panthers beat writer Joe Person reports that running back Rico Dowdle will "start and get the bulk of the carries" in his team's Week 9 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Dowdle posted a dominant two-week stretch in early October when Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was sidelined by a calf injury. Across two games against the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys, Dowdle recorded 473 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 50 touches. In the two games since Hubbard has returned to the field, the two backs have split touches. However, it appears that will change in Week 9. It's unlikely that Hubbard's role in Carolina's offense will completely disappear. Still, Dowdle has a chance to see the majority of backfield snaps, which puts him on track to be a fantasy RB2 in Week 9 against Green Bay.
Oct 31, 2025 3:11 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is expected to be the team's featured back in Week 9 against the Packers following head coach Dave Canales' comments in his press interview on Monday. Dowdle has been impressive with his touches this season, handling 106 carries for 605 yards and two touchdowns while adding 13 catches (17 targets) for 121 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Meanwhile, Chuba Hubbard has struggled after a breakout 2024 season that earned him a four-year contract extension, recording 79 carries for 282 yards with a touchdown and adding 15 catches (21 targets) for 118 yards with two touchdowns. The Panthers have made it clear that they don't plan on trading Hubbard, and while he'll still be involved, Dowdle has clearly earned more work and should be the preferred fantasy option moving forward. Dowdle is ranked as RotoBaller's RB18 for Week 9 against the Packers.
Oct 31, 2025 9:41 AM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales strongly suggested on Monday that Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers "will be the week he ditches the shared carries approach and rides the hot hand and feet of Rico Dowdle," according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. Chuba Hubbard missed some time earlier this year with a calf injury, which coincided with Dowdle having the best two-game stretch by a Panthers running back in team history. Carolina leaned on Hubbard in Canales' first season in 2024. They gave him a four-year, $33.2 million extension last year, and the Panthers don't want to trade him at this year's deadline. Hubbard will still be involved in the backfield if he's not traded, but Dowdle's production this year -- 5.7 yards per carry, 605 rushing yards, and two touchdowns -- makes him deserving of lead-back duties. Dowdle has earned more work over Hubbard and will be the one with RB2 upside this Sunday against Green Bay.
Oct 29, 2025 12:41 PM EST
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