Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or Rico Dowdle

Tuesday, December 9, 4:13 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to see a "heavy dose" of work in the coming weeks after starting quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) tore his Achilles in the Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor, who is currently second in the league with 282 total touches, will have an even bigger workload as the Colts look to take some pressure off of 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers, who will be expected to start for the Colts sooner rather than later. The superstar running back has slowed down from his torrid early-season pace over the past three games, handling 58 carries for 217 yards and a touchdown with five receptions (eight targets) for 44 yards as a receiver. It remains to be seen if Taylor will be taking hand-offs from Rivers or Brett Rypien in Week 15, but he'll look to get back on track in a tough matchup on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

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.