Rico Dowdle Weighs Future After Late-Season Decrease in Carries

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle hinted Sunday that his reduced workload late in the season could influence his decision on whether to return to the team next year, ESPN report.

Dowdle, who joined the team on a one-year deal worth up to $6.25 million in March, expressed frustration over his limited carries in recent games.

After rushing for 1,076 yards this season, Dowdle saw his role diminish significantly in the final stretch.

In Saturday’s 34-31 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, he managed just 9 yards on five carries. This marked a sharp decline from earlier in the season, when he averaged 20 carries over a seven-game span, including a standout 30-carry performance in an October win against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys.

When asked about how the reduced opportunities might affect his free agency plans, Dowdle told ESPN reporters that his performance improves with more carries. His comments suggest that his role in the offense will be a key factor in deciding his next move.

“That definitely is a factor,” he said. “There’s options for me. I just want to be a guy who can go out there and just get the bulk [of the carries].”

Source: ESPN