Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Devin Neal

Saturday, October 18, 4:25 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has been one of the best stories in the NFL over the past two weeks, totaling an unbelievable 473 yards and two touchdowns as the lead back in place of Chuba Hubbard (calf). Hubbard will make his return on Sunday against the Jets, which muddies the outlook for the backfield this week. Hubbard earned a contract extension for his strong production last season and operated as the clear lead back before getting injured this season, but the superb play of Dowdle certainly changes some things. Head coach Dave Canales was noncommittal on how touches would be distributed, but expect it to be close to an even split, perhaps with a lean to Dowdle. Given his recent strong play, Dowdle profiles as a viable RB2 or flex start in Week 7 against the Jets.

Wednesday, October 8, 12:56 AM

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal was inactive for the fourth straight game in Week 5 against the Giants. Neal suited up for the first time in Week 1 against the Cardinals and handled two carries for seven yards. In total, he played seven offensive snaps and four snaps on special teams. The rookie out of Kansas was able to earn two touches in his NFL debut, but has been a healthy scratch since. With the emergence of third-year back Kendre Miller and veteran Alvin Kamara holding things down, Neal has been relegated to a distant depth role.