The Green Bay Packers have an intriguing matchup this coming Sunday. After improving to 5-1-1 with a 35-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, Green Bay is looking to extend its win streak to four games when the team hosts Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
The Panthers aren’t exactly considered a serious contender outside for the NFC South, but they still present challenges to Green Bay.
For one, Carolina has a talented backfield duo of Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle.
The Panthers started the season with Hubbard as their unquestioned lead running back. But an injury that sidelined him for two games saw Dowdle seize the opportunity to make a strong case why he also deserved plenty of touches in Carolina’s ground attack. While Hubbard was sidelined in Week 5 and Week 6, Dowdle went off for 206 and 183 rushing yards, respectively.
Carolina to have Dowdle as starting running back in Week 9 against Packers
Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) hands off to running back Rico Dowdle (5) during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Even after Hubbard returned from injury, Dowdle has continued to lead the Panthers in rushing yards over the past two games.
Given the emergence of Dowdle, Carolina appears to be left with no choice but to keep feeding him with ample touches despite Hubbard’s return.
The Panthers started Hubbard in Week 8’s 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but it seems like that is not going to be the case against the Packers.
Via Joe Person of The Athletic:
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle will start and get the bulk of the carries Sunday at Green Bay, per league sources. But I’d expect Chuba Hubbard to be part of the offense, as well. Dave Canales strongly suggested this would be the case at the start of the week.
As for the Packers, they don’t have any quandary in their running back room, with Josh Jacobs set as their No. 1 option on the ground as long as he’s healthy.
Defensively, Green Bay is pretty stout against the run, with only 78.9 rushing yards allowed per game, so far in the 2025 NFL season.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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