Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Rico Dowdle

Thursday, December 11, 4:19 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) was not spotted during the team's open portion of practice on Thursday, according to Ross Jackson of Locked On Saints. The 30-year-old has missed each of New Orleans' last two games due to knee and ankle injuries, and could be trending towards a third straight absence in Week 15 when the Saints take on the Carolina Panthers. Saints rookie running back Devin Neal (abdomen) has taken over as the team's lead back with Kamara sidelined, but Neal began the week as a limited practice participant. If both Kamara and Neal were to miss time, New Orleans could be forced to turn to Audric Estime and Evan Hull in the backfield. The 3-10 Saints have little reason to rush Kamara back from injury, so he may be on track to miss more time.

Wednesday, December 3, 1:59 PM

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.