Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) does not have an injury designation heading into the team's week 18 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dowdle appears to be in a 60-40 timeshare with fellow running back Chuba Hubbard, with the latter seeing the vast majority of third downs over the past three games. The Panthers hosted the Buccaneers in Week 16, and Dowdle was held to just 29 yards from nine rushing attempts, but did earn 14 receiving yards from his four receptions off six targets. Even though Dowdle has been absent on nearly every third down over the last two games, he still managed to earn more targets and run six more routes each game than Hubbard. Dowdle profiles as a low-end RB2 against a middle-of-the-road Buccaneers run defense in the 2025 regular season finale.
Jan 3, 2026 10:02 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) practiced in full for the second straight day on Thursday and has been cleared to play in Saturday's Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to the team's official website. Although Chuba Hubbard isn't going to go away in Carolina's backfield, the 27-year-old Dowdle has earned RB1 duties for the Panthers. In an all-important game this weekend that will decide the winner of the NFC South, Dowdle will be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers. He has certainly slowed down since a strong stretch earlier this year when Hubbard was out with injury, and he hasn't found the end zone in the last two games. In the first meeting with the Bucs two weeks ago, Dowdle had nine carries for 29 yards and caught four passes for 14 yards. Since the team's Week 14 bye, Dowdle has 160 scrimmage yards and a TD on 45 touches.
Jan 1, 2026 1:08 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is back at practice on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's session with a toe injury, per Joseph Person of The Athletic. Carolina plays the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday in a game that will determine the NFC South champion and the number four seed in the NFC playoffs. Across 16 games this season, Dowdle has recorded 1,343 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns on 266 touches. However, his production has tailed off a bit in recent weeks, as he's failed to record more than 59 rushing yards in a game since Week 9. If Dowdle is sidelined or limited against Tampa Bay, Panthers back Chuba Hubbard would be in line for a significant increase in role. Assuming Dowdle is active, he profiles as a high-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 18.
Dec 31, 2025 1:49 PM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that running back Rico Dowdle (toe) did not practice on Tuesday due to a sore toe, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. The Panthers are hopeful that he'll be ready for Saturday's big divisional showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 to decide the NFC South. Dowdle is considered day-to-day, and the Panthers wanted to give him a rest day in the first official practice of the week. As long as the 27-year-old can practice on Wednesday or Thursday, he should be fine to play in the regular-season finale. Many teams across the league will be resting players in Week 18, but not the Panthers, as they seek to win the division and secure a playoff spot. Since his last 100-yard game on Nov. 2, Dowdle has gone over 50 rushing yards three times in seven games, although one of those came in last week's loss to Seattle. Dowdle will be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers this weekend.
Dec 30, 2025 3:51 PM EST
Rico Dowdle had 12 carries for 59 yards in the Carolina Panthers' 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Carolina RB also added three receptions for four yards and totaled 9.3 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 1 and 2 that Dowdle registered less than 10 PPR points in consecutive games. The Panthers will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an important rematch in Week 18. Tampa Bay ranked 15th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the RB position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 17. In Week 16 against the Buccaneers, Dowdle had 29 rushing yards on nine carries and finished with 8.3 PPR points. Despite the middling matchup, Dowdle has been underwhelming over the last five games. In that span, Dowdle had only two double-digit PPR fantasy finishes and only one touchdown. Even though a playoff berth is on the line, Dowdle has underperformed too much recently to be a reliable play if your league holds its fantasy championship game in Week 18.
Dec 29, 2025 11:14 AM EST
Rico Dowdle had nine carries for 29 yards in Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also added 14 yards on four receptions, totaling 8.3 PPR points. It was Dowdle's lowest fantasy total in a game since Week 8. Carolina will face the Seattle Seahawks, the NFC's current No. 1 seed, in Week 17. Seattle ranks seventh in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the RB position this season. Over the last four games, Dowdle has been cold, earning 12.4 PPR points or less with only one rushing touchdown. Considering that Seattle is one of the roughest matchups for RBs and Dowdle's underwhelming recent totals, fantasy players should not start the Carolina running back in their fantasy championship games. The Seahawks have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 24 consecutive games.
Dec 27, 2025 2:10 PM EST
Rico Dowdle had nine carries for 29 yards in the Panthers' 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. The Carolina RB also added four receptions for 14 receiving yards, totaling 8.3 PPR points. Dowdle has cooled off in the last four starts, averaging 10.5 PPR points per game during that span. For the second consecutive week, Dowdle outperformed Chuba Hubbard, who finished Week 16 with 34 scrimmage yards and 4.4 PPR points. Despite the workload being split between Dowdle and Hubbard, Dowdle logged the most snaps (57%). In Week 17, the Panthers face the Seattle Seahawks. In the last four weeks leading up to Week 16, the Seahawks ranked seventh in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. Fantasy players who have their championship in Week 17 cab consider reserving Dowdle due to the tough matchup.
Dec 22, 2025 12:21 PM EST
Rico Dowdle had 16 carries for 49 yards and one touchdown in Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints. The Carolina RB added five receiving yards on one reception to total 12.4 PPR points. Since Week 9, Dowdle has averaged 15.4 PPR points and finished with double-digit PPR points in five games. Carolina will face their NFC South rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Week 16. Tampa Bay ranks 23rd in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs this season. They have also surrendered the most receiving yards to RBs in the league this year (783). With solid volume and a decent matchup, Dowdle is worth starting as an RB2 for the fantasy football playoffs, even with his workload being split with Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle has logged 16+ carries in five of his last six starts. He will see important work in the major NFC South showdown against the Buccaneers.
Dec 20, 2025 11:26 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle hasn't been as reliable for fantasy managers since Chuba Hubbard returned from his injury, but that doesn't mean he cannot still be productive for those in the fantasy playoffs. The 27-year-old reclaimed lead-back duties from Hubbard in Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints, out-touching him 17 to nine. Dowdle had only 49 rushing yards on 16 carries (3.1 yards per tote), but he managed to find the end zone for the first time since Week 10. He continues to see plenty of volume -- Dowdle has had at least 17 touches in four of the last five games -- but he has been under 4.0 yards per carry in four of the last five contests as well. With Hubbard being more involved next to Dowdle in Carolina's backfield now that he's fully healthy, Dowdle must be more efficient with his touches to pay off for fantasy managers as an RB2. The good news is that Dowdle has plenty of upside in Week 16 against a Bucs defense that has been vulnerable to RBs this year.
Dec 18, 2025 12:37 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 49 yards on 16 carries with one touchdown in Carolina's Week 15 loss to New Orleans on Sunday. He added five receiving yards on one reception and totaled 12.4 PPR points. Dowdle outperformed Chuba Hubbard, who registered 38 scrimmage yards and 4.8 PPR points. Despite the workload being mostly split between the two RBs, Dowdle logged the most snaps (60%). In Week 16, the Panthers will face their NFC South rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay ranked 16th in fantasy points per game allowed to the RB position in the last four weeks leading up to Week 15. Even though Dowdle has a middling matchup this week, he is still worth starting as an RB2 or flex option based on his volume. In his last five games, he has fewer than 16 carries once, and he averaged 15.4 carries per game.
Dec 15, 2025 1:15 PM EST
In Week 13, Rico Dowdle totaled 58 rushing yards on 18 carries and 21 receiving yards on two receptions against the Rams. Dowdle finished the game with 9.9 PPR points, which was his lowest since being named the starting RB for Carolina in Week 9. Chuba Hubbard also outperformed Dowdle in that game, registering 20.4 PPR points on 124 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. Hubbard also took the most snaps (59%) between the RBs. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that Dowdle would be the featured back on early downs and at the goal line. This week, the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season. Against the RB position, the Saints rank 18th in Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed. In Week 10 against the Saints, Dowdle had 53 rushing yards on 18 carries with one touchdown. With a continued shared workload, he is likely to remain an RB2 starter with a decent statistical fantasy floor. Over the last four weeks before the bye, Dowdle averaged 12.9 PPR points per game.
Dec 13, 2025 12:11 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.
Dec 3, 2025 1:59 PM EST
Rico Dowdle rushed for only 58 yards on 18 carries during Week 13's 31-28 upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Carolina RB also added 21 receiving yards on two receptions, totaling 9.9 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 7-8 that Dowdle ended back-to-back games with less than 12 PPR points. For the first time since being named the starting RB in Week 9, Dowdle was outplayed by Chuba Hubbard, who registered 20.4 PPR points on 124 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. The workload between the two RBs was split, and Hubbard took the most snaps (59%). In Week 15, Dowdle and the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season after a bye. In the last four weeks leading up to Week 13, the Saints ranked 13th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. During the Panthers' prior game against New Orleans in Week 10, Dowdle finished with 63 scrimmage yards and a rushing TD. With the possibility of Dowdle now being in a timeshare with Hubbard, he cannot be regarded as a must-start player regardless of matchup anymore. But he should still be a good start against the Saints, because the surprising Panthers may totally control the flow of the matchup. If Carolina rolls to a big win, you should see Dowdle get into the end zone at least once.
Dec 1, 2025 12:30 PM EST
Rico Dowdle totaled 38 rushing yards on six carries and 36 receiving yards on four receptions last week against the 49ers. Dowdle finished the game with 11.4 PPR points, which was his lowest since being named the starting RB for Carolina in Week 9. The Panthers will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. The Rams rank third in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. Los Angeles' defense has allowed only two rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the least in the NFL. Although this is a bad matchup, Dowdle should not be reserved. Don't expect a high statistical ceiling, though. The Panthers' RB has a solid fantasy floor, averaging 17.5 PPR points over the last four weeks.
Nov 28, 2025 11:30 PM EST
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
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