Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Salvon Ahmed

Thursday, November 6, 2:24 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (quadriceps) appears to be trending in the right direction heading into Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle was seen stretching ahead of practice Thursday, after working on the side Wednesday. The emerging star is now wearing a helmet in practice, which is an encouraging sign. Continue to monitor injury reports through the weekend, with Dowdle viewed as a must-start if healthy. The 27-year-old has amassed 735 rushing yards and four touchdowns on just 131 carries this season, while adding another 132 yards and a touchdown through the air. The Saints are allowing 129.4 rushing yards per game, and it is unlikely that quarterback Tyler Shough will be able to sustain drives and keep Dowdle off the field Sunday.

Friday, August 8, 7:12 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Salvon Ahmed (ankle) was taken down by a defender with an illegal hip-drop tackle in training camp practice on Sunday and suffered a season-ending ankle injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Colts placed Ahmed on season-ending Injured Reserve on Friday and have signed former Dolphins RB Nate Noel in a corresponding move. Jonathan Taylor is the unquestioned RB1 in Indy, with Tyler Goodson and rookie DJ Giddens battling for backup duties in 2025. With Ahmed now done for the entire 2025 campaign, it will mean added opportunities for Khalil Herbert, Ulysses Bentley and Noel as they look to make the 53-man roster out of training camp. The 26-year-old Ahmed spent his first four seasons in Miami and had a combined 593 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 163 carries over 38 games (four starts).