The Carolina Panthers appear to have an early injury concern this week with running back Rico Dowdle, who came up limping with an undisclosed injury in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers before returning to the game.
Dowdle has been on a straight heater since fellow running back Chuba Hubbard was absent for two games. After the two backs split work once Hubbard returned from injury, the Panthers have fully committed to Dowdle as their lead back.
However, Dowdle's status is now at least somewhat up in the air after an injury update on Wednesday. Here's what we know.
Is Rico Dowdle practicing on Wednesday?
According to ESPN's David Newton, Dowdle is working on the side field during practice on Wednesday, which means he'll likely be listed as a non-participant.
"Panthers RB Rico Dowdle practicing on the side," Newton wrote.
We'll get an official status update later in the day, but for now this is obviously not an ideal development when it comes to Dowdle's Week 10 status.
It's too early to panic, though, as the Panthers still have two more days of practice and it's very possible this is more of a maintenance day than anything else after Dowdle handled the rock 27 times (25 carries, two catches) on Sunday.
The former Dallas Cowboys back has posted three games north of 130 rushing yards in his last five, including two games above 180 yards, and one of those contests saw him break 200 yards on the ground.
The two games he didn't total 130 rushing yards or more came after Hubbard returned from injury and the Panthers had their two backs split work.
After Week 9, when Hubbard took a clear back seat to Dowdle, it's clear the latter is now fully in command of the backfield for the foreseeable future.
Who is Rico Dowdle's handcuff?
We've pretty much answered this question already, but we'll give a totally clear answer.
Just in case Dowdle doesn't play, Hubbard is the next in line for work and would immediately slot in as an RB2 play due to volume alone.
NFL Injury News