Rico Dowdle: I Aspire to be the Go-To Guy for Carries - NBC Sports
The Carolina Panthers are buzzing with anticipation about their prospects for the 2026 season after making their way back into the playoffs this year. However, the future of running back Rico Dowdle in Charlotte is uncertain as he may not return next season.
In the offseason, Dowdle inked a one-year contract with the Panthers and began the year positioned behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart. He had an impressive performance during October when Hubbard was sidelined due to injury, racking up 473 yards from scrimmage. Still, his playing time varied significantly throughout the remainder of the season. In the recent matchup against the Rams, Dowdle managed just five carries netting nine yards, while Hubbard had a more productive outing with 13 carries for 46 yards and two touchdowns.
After the game on Sunday, Dowdle emphasized that his expected role will play a crucial part in his decision on where he will play next season.
"That definitely is a factor," Dowdle stated, as reported by David Newton of ESPN.com. "I have options available to me. My goal is simple: I want to be that player who consistently gets the majority of the carries."
Over the course of the season, Dowdle concluded with a total of 236 carries, amassing 1,076 yards and scoring six touchdowns. This marks his second consecutive season surpassing the 1,000-yard mark, and it appears he is aiming to achieve this milestone for a third time, potentially with three different teams.
