Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Trey Lance

Tuesday, July 1, 9:24 PM

The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow writes that Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle will split carries with rookie Trevor Etienne as the backups to lead back Chuba Hubbard in 2025. Dowdle is coming of a 1,000-yard season with the Dallas Cowboys in his first year as a lead back, but he'll be working behind Hubbard. As the RB2 last year in Carolina, Miles Sanders only had 55 carries, although he was mostly injured and ineffective. Zietlow adds that the Panthers will want to find out what they have in Etienne before Jonathon Brooks (knee) returns in 2026. If anything, the 27-year-old Dowdle will take away valuable pass-catching opportunities from Hubbard on third downs in his first year in Carolina, but it's going to be hard to justify him as an every-week fantasy starter as long as Hubbard stays healthy. Dowdle is ranked as RotoBaller's RB50 going into the 2025 season.

Friday, April 4, 7:16 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to terms with free-agent quarterback Trey Lance on a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. The North Dakota state product will join his third squad after the San Francisco 49ers selected him third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance spent last season with the Cowboys and passed for 266 yards and one interception with no touchdowns in four games (one start). He added 41 yards on 11 rushes. He projects to compete with teammate Taylor Heinicke for the second-string QB job behind Justin Herbert. Due to injuries and inefficient play, the 24-year-old hasn't been afforded much playing time. However, his athletic, toolsy upside could give him a chance to unseat Heinicke as the QB2 in L.A.