Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Quinshon Judkins

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.

Tuesday, September 2, 10:49 AM

Cleveland Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi believes there is "zero chance" rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (unsigned) suits up Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Judkins, a second-round pick, was accused of domestic violence in July. Although the charges were dropped, he has yet to sign his rookie contract. Grossi said on the ESPN Cleveland Radio that the deal will not be finalized until the NFL determines the length of his suspension. If Judkins doesn't play in Week 1, the Browns are expected to lean on Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson in the backfield. It's a favorable spot for the duo, as they face a Bengals defense that allowed the seventh-most points in the NFL last season.