Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Roschon Johnson

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, September 12, 11:09 PM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has been removed from the injury report and is set to make his 2025 debut in Week 2. Johnson returned to practice late last week after being sidelined with a foot injury since early August. The Bears struggled to establish the run in Week 1, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams leading the team in rushing. D'Andre Swift operated as the clear workhorse, logging 81% of the snaps and handling 22 of Chicago's 23 running back touches. Johnson now enters a brutal matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allowed the second-fewest rushing yards to opposing backs in 2024. With uncertainty surrounding his health, role, and workload, Johnson is best left on fantasy benches for now.