Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jake Haener

Wednesday, March 12, 7:36 PM

The Carolina Panthers have signed free-agent running back Rico Dowdle on Wednesday. The two sides have agreed on a one-year, $6.25 million deal for the upcoming season. On paper, Dowdle is a good fit with the Panthers who certainly need depth behind Chuba Hubbard. Last season, Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards across 15 games with the Dallas Cowboys. It's also worth noting that Dowdle hauled in 39 receptions for 249 yards and three touchdowns through the air. This is a low-risk move that should help the Panthers while former second-round pick Jonathon Brooks (knee) recovers from injury.

Thursday, May 22, 9:20 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (oblique) reportedly was injured while throwing extra passes after practice on Wednesday. He underwent an MRI which revealed a strain, but luckily Haener avoided an oblique tear. The expectation is that Haener is going to be shut down until the start of training camp. The Saints want to give him time to rest and want to avoid making this a bigger injury than it is. Haener is currently in a three-way competition for the starting quarterback gig with Spencer Rattler and second-round pick Tyler Shough. Honestly, Haener was probably already third on the depth chart, so this injury isn't going to help his chances. However, Haener should get a chance to prove himself in camp.