Cowboys Release Rico Dowdle, Boosting Panthers’ Running Back Depth
The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move this offseason by signing running back Rico Dowdle from the Dallas Cowboys. The decision came after the Cowboys opted not to retain him, opening the door for Dowdle to join the Panthers as a backup to starting running back Chuba Hubbard.
Cowboys Release Rico Dowdle, Impacting Panthers’ Running Back Depth
As the Panthers enter Week 5 of the NFL season, they face a dilemma: Hubbard will be sidelined due to injury. This situation places Dowdle in a starting role, highlighting the team’s reliance on his recent performance.
Rico Dowdle’s Performance with the Cowboys
In the previous season, Dowdle emerged as a strong contributor for the Cowboys. He recorded impressive statistics, including:
- 235 carries
- 1,079 rushing yards
- 4.6 yards per carry average
- 39 receptions for 249 yards
- 5 total touchdowns
This represented a remarkable breakout for Dowdle, who only managed 385 rushing yards in his first three seasons combined since 2020.
Reasons Behind Cowboys’ Decision
The Cowboys decided to let Dowdle go, believing he might not replicate his previous year’s success. They shifted their focus to other running backs, signing Javonte Williams for $3 million and adding Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue to their roster.
Panthers’ Running Back Depth Chart
With Chuba Hubbard unavailable, the Panthers’ current running back lineup is as follows:
- Rico Dowdle
- Trevor Etienne
- DeeJay Dallas
Dowdle is expected to take on the majority of the carries, while Etienne may also play a significant role as the season progresses.
The Panthers are ready to see how well Dowdle can perform in this pivotal moment, especially after his remarkable form with the Cowboys. His performance will be crucial in filling the void left by Hubbard.
