Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Will Shipley

Monday, October 27, 3:07 PM

When asked about the team's running back situation involving both Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said, "Chuba Hubbard has meant a lot to this team. We wanted to give him an opportunity following his calf injury. But we can't ignore the fact that Rico [Dowdle] has been exceptional." Canales' tone "suggests Dowdle will get a heavier workload," according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. In the team's Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a negative game script, Dowdle had eight carries for 54 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game on just 36% of the offensive snaps. Meanwhile, Hubbard had a team-high 12 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown and didn't catch his only target on 57% of the snaps. Dowdle was more efficient on the ground on Sunday and has 123 yards on 25 carries in the two games since Hubbard returned from injury. Even if Dowdle sees a bit more work going forward, this backfield split is going to cap his fantasy value every week.

Monday, October 27, 10:53 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley has seen very limited usage so far in the 2025 season. Across six games played, the 23-year-old has recorded 39 yards from scrimmage on nine total touches. However, there may be an opportunity for playing time in Philadelphia's backfield after star running back Saquon Barkley (groin) was forced to exit early from the team's Week 8 win over the New York Giants due to a groin injury. The Eagles have their bye in Week 9, and there's been no indication from the team that Barkley will not be ready to play in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers. Further complicating matters, Shipley may be behind Eagles running back Tank Bigsby, even if Barkley misses time. Still, Shipley is worthy of waiver-wire consideration until there's more clarity around Barkley's health status. Shipley should be rostered in all fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams.