Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Cam Skattebo

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.

Friday, August 22, 2:30 AM

New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo made his professional debut with a short but efficient outing in the Giants' 42-10 preseason victory over the Patriots. The rookie, who has been nursing a hamstring injury for a few weeks, was active for the first time and handled the first three carries of the game. He finished the contest with three carries for 12 rushing yards, an average of 4.0 yards per carry, with a long run of four yards, and zero rushing touchdowns. Skattebo also did not record a reception. While he is currently behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the depth chart, Skattebo is a key backfield piece who should contribute off the bench in the regular season.