Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Dylan Sampson

Wednesday, December 3, 1:59 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle was outproduced by Chuba Hubbard in last week's upset win over the Los Angeles Rams, as Hubbard finished with 17 carries for 83 yards while also catching two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle had 18 rushing attempts for 58 yards and added two receptions for 21 yards. It was the first time the Panthers had two RBs each record at least 75 scrimmage yards in a game since Dec. 24 of 2022. "And for Rico, you know, giving him the lion's share of some of those first and second down, those early series and all that is a great way to just get him the ball," head coach Dave Canales said. With Hubbard getting his legs back under him after missing some time with injury, the Panthers appear to be reaching a more effective, balanced approach between the two RBs, with Dowdle becoming the early-down back, and Hubbard working more on passing downs.

Friday, December 12, 1:36 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (calf, hand) has been ruled out for his team's Week 15 matchup against the Chicago Bears due to calf and hand injuries. The 21-year-old has done most of his work this season in a passing-downs role alongside fellow Browns rookie back Quinshon Judkins. In Cleveland's Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans, Sampson hauled in five catches for 64 yards on six targets. With Sampson sidelined in Week 15 and veteran back Jerome Ford (shoulder) on Injured Reserve, the Browns will likely turn to Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams to fill the team's RB2 role. Judkins has seen more work as a receiver in recent weeks and could step into more of a true three-down role in Week 15 against Chicago.