Dowdle to start as Panthers' featured back vs Packers

Rico Dowdle will start and be the featured running back for the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Green Bay after outpacing teammate Chuba Hubbard in recent weeks, coach Dave Canales said this week. The move follows a stretch in which Dowdle produced the most explosive two-game run of his Panthers tenure while Hubbard returned from a calf injury and resumed a timeshare in the backfield.

Dowdle led Carolina in rushing against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, gaining 54 yards on eight carries as the Panthers fell 40-9 at Bank of America Stadium. Hubbard had 12 carries for 34 yards and scored Carolina’s only touchdown late in the game. Canales said Monday that the staff has been reviewing the recent body of work and that Dowdle’s play cannot be ignored. "We cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional," he said, adding that the team values Hubbard’s contributions and leadership.

Dowdle produced 389 rushing yards and 473 scrimmage yards in consecutive wins earlier in the season, including a 239-scrimmage-yard performance that set a team mark. Since Hubbard’s return from injury, Dowdle has shown greater efficiency, prompting coaches to consider giving him a larger role. The...