Panthers Plan More Carries for Rico Dowdle Moving Forward

Canales praised both Hubbard and Dowdle but acknowledged Dowdle’s recent standout performances.

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Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales indicated Monday that running back Rico Dowdle could see an increased workload moving forward, ESPN reports. This would end the team’s recent strategy of alternating drives between Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard.

“Chuba has meant a lot to his organization, certainly to the identity that we wanted to build our team on, and we wanted to give Chuba the opportunity to go out and continue to impact our team in a positive way,” Canales expressed.

Canales praised both players but acknowledged Dowdle’s recent standout performances. “We can’t ignore that Rico has been exceptional in a couple of games,” Canales said. “He’s made some excellent plays. Love the tempo and violence that he’s running with.”

Dowdle has been on a tear, posting 473 total yards over two games while Hubbard was sidelined with a calf injury in the best two-game stretch in franchise history. He also came within 17 yards of recording back-to-back 200-yard rushing games.

The Panthers face the Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) this Sunday, where Dowdle is expected to lead the backfield.