Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Emari Demercado

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.

Friday, October 17, 1:11 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 7 this Sunday against the visiting Green Bay Packers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Demercado suffered an ankle injury in last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts and was unable to practice all week. The 26-year-old will now have next week's bye to heal up before potentially returning for a Week 9 contest versus the Dallas Cowboys. Demercado was a popular waiver-wire addition when Trey Benson (knee) suffered a knee injury in Week 4, but it was Michael Carter, not Demercado, who took over the majority of backfield work for the Cardinals. Arizona then went to Bam Knight as their primary backfield option in Week 6, with Carter taking on most of the pass-catching duties. Expect that to continue against Green Bay, with D'Ernest Johnson or Jermar Jefferson serving in the RB3 role with Demercado out.