The Carolina Panthers might have a very good problem in their backfield.
In a surprising addition from this past offseason, the Panthers signed free-agent running back Rico Dowdle to a one-year, $2.75 million contract. Dowdle, a 1,000-yard rusher with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, seemed to be in line for a more featured role elsewhere—especially given the Panthers’ investment in their starter Chuba Hubbard.
So, how will the Asheville, N.C. native and University of South Carolina product be used during his homecoming in 2025?
Head coach Dave Canales, following Wednesday’s outing of training camp, was asked about the role he envisions for Dowdle on offense.
“I don’t wanna get into the specifics of it,” Canales replied. “I think Rico has a lot of things he can do really well. He gives us some variety of play types that we can do. But I think just in general, as a starting point, he’s exactly what we’re looking for in our running backs. They run the runs they way they’re supposed to be run—with discipline, they press the feet at the linemen and once they get past that first level, they run with violence. He does those things.”
Dowdle notched a career-high 1,079 rushing yards this past season. His new running mate, Hubbard, did the same—running for a personal-best 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024.
Carolina also has a few other intriguing weapons in their running back room, including 2025 fourth-round pick Trevor Etienne.
So, as expected, Canales will not tip his hand this early. But don’t be surprised if he ends up smashing and dashing through his call sheet to establish the run this fall.
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