ClutchPoints
It was a fun Week 9 showdown at Lambeau Field, as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Green Bay Packers. Now, there is some concern, as one of the Panthers’ top players did not practice on Wednesday. Coach Dave Canales downplayed the Rico Dowdle injury concern, stating it was not an issue for him, according to Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick.
“Panthers HC Dave Canales says Rico Dowdle is just working through some things from the game, but expects him to practice tomorrow and be available on Sunday vs. Saints,” Quick wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
This indicated that the move to not practice on Wednesday could be precautionary, especially after Dowdle had a heavy workload in Week 9. Dowdle rushed 25 times for 130 yards and two touchdowns while also catching two passes for 11 yards. Amazingly, Dowdle’s performance helped the Panthers grind out a much-needed road victory, while also keeping the Packers’ offense off the field.
During the offseason, the Panthers signed Dowdle to a one-year contract in what many expected to be a depth move. Instead, Dowdle has possibly taken over the backfield in Carolina, as the Panthers are 5-4, largely thanks to a strong running game. So far, Dowdle has rushed 131 times for 735 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 15 passes for 132 yards and one score. Dowdle is averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
Comparatively, Chuba Hubbard has fallen into a backup role after starting the season as the starter. Hubbard has rushed 84 times for 299 yards while averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. The decision to give Dowdle more reps has helped the Cats, as they are 4-1 in their past five games after starting the season 1-3.
It still remains to be seen how serious Dowdle’s injury is, or if it is severe enough to threaten his status for the Week 1o showdown with the New Orleans Saints. For now, Canales expects Dowdle to practice this week and believes he will be ready for the Saints on Sunday.
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