Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Emanuel Wilson

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.

Monday, September 8, 12:31 PM

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson was expected to have an elevated role as the RB2 behind starter Josh Jacobs in the Week 1 divisional clash against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field, but he ended up with just one carry for a four-yard gain in the 27-13 victory. He was not targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, fellow backup Chris Brooks also had one carry for one yard and caught his only target for a two-yard pickup. Jacobs dominated backfield touches for the Pack, handing 19 rushing attempts for 66 yards and a touchdown and also catching his only target for four yards. Wilson and Brooks could be more involved going forward with MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) out to begin the year, but this certainly wasn't a good sign for their involvement behind a healthy Jacobs in 2025.