Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tank Bigsby

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.

Saturday, September 13, 12:49 AM

The Philadelphia Eagles just traded for Tank Bigsby on Monday, and the former Jaguar is currently listed as the third running back on the depth chart. He was far outpaced by Travis Etienne Jr. in Jacksonville's first game, and was splitting touches with Bhayshul Tuten as well. Bigsby only managed 12 yards on five carries against the Panthers in Week 1, which clearly didn't impress the Jaguars front office enough to keep him on the roster. Eagles backup RB Will Shipley (rib) is officially out for the upcoming contest against Kansas City, clearing the runway a bit for Bigsby, but probably not enough for any real fantasy production. Shipley and AJ Dillon combined for 13 snaps on offense against Dallas last week, while Saquon Barkley totaled 50. With a star like Barkley ahead of him, Bigsby should not be considered for lineups in Week 2.