When the Carolina Panthers signed running back Rico Dowdle this offseason, most thought that he would be nothing more than an understudy capable of providing relief if Chuba Hubbard got hurt or needed some time off the field. That projection looks foolish midway through the 2025 campaign.
Dowdle has been nothing short of a revelation. He's helped the Panthers find their true identity. Hubbard's injury provided the platform to flourish, and the former South Carolina standout seized the moment. And after some initial hesitation, head coach Dave Canales has now made him the top backfield option alongside quarterback Bryce Young.