Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tyler Goodson

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.

Sunday, September 7, 11:47 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson (elbow) is officially inactive for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday versus the Miami Dolphin. Goodson was limited all week during practices with his elbow injury and was listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday. It doesn't appear to be a serious ailment for Goodson, but the Colts will keep him out for the first game of the season. His next chance to make his 2025 debut will be in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos next Sunday. With Goodson sitting in Week 1, it will give rookie DJ Giddens the opportunity to serve as the direct backup to starter Jonathan Taylor. Ulysses Bentley will be the RB3. The 24-year-old Goodson is off the fantasy radar for now and won't be worth a look on the waiver wire unless Taylor misses time with an injury this year.