Dowdle's surge puts Panthers in backfield dilemma vs Jets

Rico Dowdle has forced a roster question for the Carolina Panthers. The running back produced back-to-back breakout starts in October, totaling 389 rushing yards and 473 yards from scrimmage in two wins while starter Chuba Hubbard was sidelined with a calf injury, and now both players are healthy as Carolina prepares to play the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

Dowdle’s surge included a 206-yard rushing performance in a comeback win over the Miami Dolphins and a 183-yard, four-reception outing with a receiving touchdown in a 30-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. His 239 scrimmage yards against Dallas set a franchise single-game record, and he became one of a handful of players in the last two decades to post consecutive games of at least 200 scrimmage yards. Head coach Dave Canales acknowledged the challenge of allocating carries with both backs available, saying Dowdle “has earned the right to help this team, and he will,” while declining to name a starter for the Jets game.

Hubbard, who missed two games with a calf strain, returned to full practice Friday and expressed confidence in his readiness. “I feel 110 percent heading into this weekend,” he said, adding that...