Ever since Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle absolutely exploded over the two games fellow back Chuba Hubbard missed due to injury, the calls for the former to get the heavier workload have been loud.
However, despite Dowdle clearly looking like the superior back over Hubbard, Carolina has stuck with a two-man approach. Hubbard has tallied 26 carries over the past two games, while Dowdle has posted 25 carries and one reception.
Dowdle has averaged 4.6 and 6.8 yards per attempt in those games and Hubbard has totaled a depressing 2.2 and 2.8 yards per carry, which shows Dowdle is providing a much bigger spark for Carolina's offense.
After the Panthers were blown out of the building by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, it appears head coach Dave Canales is moving in the direction of giving Dowdle more work moving forward, which is bad news for Hubbard.
"Dave Canales on the two-back rotation featuring Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. He spoke kindly of what Hubbard has meant to the organization, but noted Dowdle has been 'exceptional,'. Where that leads we shall see," ESPN's David Newton reported on Monday.
"Canales says they are looking at giving Dowdle a heavier load. Sounds like a change in philosophy," Newton added.
"Dave Canales said he hasn't discussed with running back Chuba Hubbard yet what it might possibly look like with him taking a lesser role," Newton also relayed.
It's true that Hubbard has been a plus player for the Panthers for a few years now. In fact, he had a career-best season in 2024 and was one of the better rushers in the NFL, which led to him getting a four-year, $33.2 million extension.
However, his production has fallen off a cliff this season, with Hubbard averaging a lackluster 47 yards per game, as compared to the 79.7 he averaged in 2024. Dowdle, on the other hand, is averaging 75.6 yards per game.
Luckily for the Panthers, there is a viable out in Hubbard's contract in 2026. If he isn't going to be starting, it makes sense for Carolina to take that out next year, or perhaps they can find a trade partner before this year's deadline, although the aforementioned contract will make it more difficult.
Either way, the arrow is pointing up for Dowdle and down for Hubbard.
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