Who Should I Start? Kyle Juszczyk or Rico Dowdle

Sunday, September 14, 2:07 PM

San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of his team's Week 2 game against the New Orleans Saints. Juszczyk is a key piece of the San Francisco offense as both a blocker and receiver. The 49ers entered the game already without quarterback Brock Purdy (toe), tight end George Kittle (hamstring), and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee). Juszczyk's absence may create even more reason for San Francisco to get the ball in the hands of star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Saturday, August 9, 4:08 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle showed a glimpse of his potential as a pass-catching threat in the team's preseason debut against the Cleveland Browns, recording one reception for 20 yards to go along with two rushes for seven yards. The 27-year-old running back is entering his sixth season in the NFL after spending his entire career with the Dallas Cowboys, which was riddled with injuries. Dowdle is clearly behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart, but could carve out a role in the Panthers' receiving or two-minute offense in 2025. Coming off an underwhelming 2024 season in Dallas, where high hopes for the lead back role didn't materialize (235-1,079-2 on the ground, 39-249-3 in the air), a move to a new location and a backup role could take some pressure off Dowdle and allow him to grow into his potential. Rotoballer currently projects him as RB55, but Dowdle could be a sneaky stash if anything happens to Hubbard throughout the season.