Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or MarShawn Lloyd

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 5, 5:12 PM

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (calf) has been ruled out and will not come off Injured Reserve to play on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Chicago Bears in Week 14, according to the team. Lloyd finally returned to practice for the first time earlier this week, but he's not ready to play in games just yet. The 24-year-old former third-round pick in 2024 out of USC hasn't played at all this season and managed to suit up in just one game in his rookie campaign last year due to injuries. He has reportedly put in plenty of time and effort to get his body right so that he can hopefully put his injuries in the rearview mirror for good. The Packers had high hopes for Lloyd when they drafted him, but he just hasn't been able to stay on the field. It's unclear how much more time he'll need, but when he is activated from IR, he'll merely be vying for a backup role alongside Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks behind starter Josh Jacobs.