Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Bhayshul Tuten

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.

Tuesday, September 16, 11:26 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten logged 10 touches in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing with 74 yards from scrimmage and a receiving touchdown. In Jacksonville's first game after trading away running back Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tuten looks like the team's clear RB2 behind Travis Etienne Jr. The 23-year-old Tuten has flashed upside as an explosive playmaker and should have a role with the Jaguars even if Etienne Jr. stays healthy. If Etienne Jr. were to get injured, Tuten would immediately become a must-start fantasy running back. Where available, Tuten should be a priority waiver-wire addition in all league formats.