Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Jaylen Wright

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.

Wednesday, September 17, 6:48 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (knee) was able to put in a full practice on Wednesday before the Dolphins play in Buffalo on Thursday Night Football against the Bills. Wright is expected to be the primary change-of-pace and rotational running back with De'Von Achane when healthy. Wright had 15 carries for 249 yards as a rookie last year and added three catches for eight more yards. He is only a pickup in extremely deep leagues at this point until his role is clearer. Achane rotated with Raheem Mostert effectively for the last two seasons, but without Mostert, Ollie Gordon II has seen minimal work this season as a change-of-pace play. Gordon's role will likely be even more limited with Wright back, but Wright may have deep-league value or at least be a good handcuff for Achane if he gets enough work going forward.