Panthers Name Dowdle Starting RB1 Over Hubbard

The Carolina Panthers solidified a shift in their backfield hierarchy on November 4, 2025, by listing running back Rico Dowdle as their starting RB1 on the team's official depth chart, while reassigning Chuba Hubbard to the kickoff return unit. The move came one day after Dowdle's standout performance in a 16-13 upset victory over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, propelling the Panthers to a 5-4 record atop the NFC South.

Dowdle, who signed with Carolina in the offseason as a backup to Hubbard, has emerged as the focal point of the offense following Hubbard's two-game absence due to a calf strain. In those starts, Dowdle rushed for 389 yards and a touchdown on 53 carries, while adding seven receptions for 84 yards and another score. Even after Hubbard's return in Weeks 7 and 8, Dowdle outproduced his teammate, averaging more than double the yards per carry. Against the New York Jets, Dowdle gained 79 yards on 17 carries; he followed with 54 yards on eight attempts in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. His latest outing against Green Bay featured 130 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns, accounting for all of Carolina's offensive scores in the low-scoring affair.