Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Bhayshul Tuten

Tuesday, July 1, 9:24 PM

The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow writes that Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle will split carries with rookie Trevor Etienne as the backups to lead back Chuba Hubbard in 2025. Dowdle is coming of a 1,000-yard season with the Dallas Cowboys in his first year as a lead back, but he'll be working behind Hubbard. As the RB2 last year in Carolina, Miles Sanders only had 55 carries, although he was mostly injured and ineffective. Zietlow adds that the Panthers will want to find out what they have in Etienne before Jonathon Brooks (knee) returns in 2026. If anything, the 27-year-old Dowdle will take away valuable pass-catching opportunities from Hubbard on third downs in his first year in Carolina, but it's going to be hard to justify him as an every-week fantasy starter as long as Hubbard stays healthy. Dowdle is ranked as RotoBaller's RB50 going into the 2025 season.

Wednesday, July 2, 12:12 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten was one of the fastest players in the 2025 NFL draft and ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, which was the fastest among RBs. Tuten has often been compared to Miami's De'Von Achane for his home run ability. However, he's on the small side at 5-foot-9 and 209 pounds, and head coach Liam Coen said that Tuten needs to improve in pass protection as he heads into his first year in the NFL. Barring a significant change in training camp and the preseason, Travis Etienne Jr. is expected to remain the team's starting back. The 23-year-old had 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns in 183 rushing yards last year at Virginia Tech. He's raw and needs to improve his ball security and pass protection, but his elite speed could get him on the field sooner than later in Jacksonville.