Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Trey Sermon

Wednesday, February 25, 4:55 AM

Carolina Panthers impending free-agent running back Rico Dowdle wasn't happy with the way the 2025 season ended and seemed like a man not interested in re-signing, but he "has sent out social-media messages since then suggesting he might," according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. General manager Dan Morgan said the "door was open" for Dowdle to return, but they will let him test the free-agent market. If Dowdle doesn't re-sign, the Panthers are happy with the rest of the RB room, which includes Chuba Hubbard, former second-rounder Jonathon Brooks, and last year's fourth-rounder, Trevor Etienne. The 27-year-old Dowdle led Carolina in rushing last year, running for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries over 17 regular-season games. It was his second straight 1,000-yard season. He was involved in more of a timeshare down the stretch with Hubbard, though, and Dowdle has made it clear he wants an opportunity to be a lead back. That's unlikely to happen if he stays with the Panthers.

Saturday, November 8, 9:42 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have promoted running back Trey Sermon to their active roster from the practice squad ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Sermon has only appeared in three games this season for Pittsburgh, logging just one offensive snap and working almost entirely on special teams. The 26-year-old should be expected to play in a similar role on Sunday night against the Chargers, and potentially be in the mix for some touches on offense if one of the Steelers running backs ahead of him were to go down.