Rico Dowdle Reverts to Committee Role as Hubbard Gains Effectiveness

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle's lead-back status is diminishing as the team reverts to a full-blown committee with Chuba Hubbard's return to health. In their upset win over the Rams, Hubbard received 19 opportunities to Dowdle's 20 and proved more effective as both a rusher and receiver. The Panthers are expected to employ a hot-hand approach for the rest of the season, making it difficult to predict which back will achieve RB2 production. Dowdle remains startable but has lost his "borderline fantasy star" appeal.