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Rico Dowdle is quickly becoming a surprise superstar for the Carolina Panthers

Dowdle is demolishing the Cowboys and playing at a level the Panthers haven't had at running back since the Christian McCaffrey trade.
Tim Weaver|
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium.
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle (5) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

It seems that the Carolina Panthers have stumbled into discovering a surprise superstar at the running back position. With Chuba Hubbard out over the last two weeks, Rico Dowdle has exploded onto the scene as one of the most efficient and productive backs in the entire NFL.

Last week, Dowdle pretty much single-handedly destroyed the Miami Dolphins, racking up over 200 rushing yards and averaging over nine yards per carry in a 17-point comeback win.

This week Dowdle has picked up right where he left off - and he's currently blasting the Dallas Cowboys in a way we haven't seen any Panthers running back approach since they traded Christain McCaffrey to the 49ers three years ago.

Dowdle isn't just doing his damage on the ground, either. He's also racking up points as a receiver, including this 36-yard catch and run for a touchdown.

Dowdle is also doing plenty of destruction as a rusher, as well. So far he has totaled 90 yards on just 15 carries (six per attempt).

While Chuba Hubbard has been a quality starter the last couple of years, he's never even come close to this kind of production. At this point if head coach Dave Canales wants to try a running back share once Hubbard returns to the lineup he should get fired for that alone.

The Panthers lead the Cowboys 20-17 and Dowdle is well on his way to his second-straight 200-yard game.

Carolina's offense needs all the firepower that it can get - and the Panthers have to ride this run by Dowdle as long as they possibly can.

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Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.