Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Bhayshul Tuten

Monday, October 6, 3:07 PM

With Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) viewed as day-to-day with the calf injury that kept him out of Sunday's win against the Dolphins, and Rico Dowdle coming off the first 200-yard game of his career, the Panthers' backfield situation is suddenly looking cloudy for fantasy managers. In speaking with reporters on Monday, head coach Dave Canales said the team has two good running backs and that, "It's a good problem to have." There were some fears that the 73% running back rush share that made Hubbard a fantasy darling in 2024 would be unsustainable, especially after the team signed Dowdle in free agency. Prior to Hubbard's injury, Dowdle had seen a steadily increasing involvement in Canales' offense. As long as Hubbard is out, Dowdle can be started with confidence, but fantasy managers who can afford to do so should take a longer-term approach to seeing how carries are divvied up when both backs are healthy.

Saturday, October 4, 6:32 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) doesn't carry an injury designation into Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite being limited all week, Tuten is good to go for Monday night. Possibly, the Jaguars were just managing his reps because they know he's nursing a shoulder issue. Travis Etienne Jr. remains the workhorse back in Jacksonville, but Tuten continues to get mixed in as well. Through four games, Tuten has rushed 21 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. He has also hauled in three receptions for 40 yards and an additional score through the air. Tuten should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent flex for Week 5.