Rico Dowdle Returns to Full Practice, Ready for Week 18 Lead Duties

Carolina Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (toe) returned to full practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday's walk-through due to soreness. This is an encouraging sign for his Week 18 availability against the Buccaneers, where he's expected to handle lead duties. Dowdle leads the Panthers with 1,066 rushing yards this season and has 37 catches for 277 yards. He's averaged 47.3 rushing yards over his last seven appearances and has turned 45 touches into 160 yards and one TD since the Week 14 bye. (495 chars)