It's becoming crystal clear that the Carolina Panthers will only go as far as running back Rico Dowdle takes them this season. That would have been hard to predict before the campaign, but quarterback Bryce Young's ongoing frailties make it a fact until further notice.
This is also why the Panthers are proceeding with extreme caution with Dowdle from week to week during practices. The former South Carolina standout is dealing with a quad injury that has kept him out of the last two games. It's clearly bothering him, but he doesn't want to sit out and lose the exceptional momentum generated since getting lead-back responsibilities.