The 5-4 Carolina Panthers will look to keep their strong momentum going on Sunday when they host the slumping New Orleans Saints for a divisional matchup. Dave Canales’ team bounced back in a big way to upset the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field with a shocking 16-13 win.
Of course, having Rico Dowdle on the field will help their case, as he’s in the midst of a breakout year with his new team. That’s why the fans will be wise to keep an eye on his availability.
What Happened to Rico Dowdle?
Dowdle sounded the alarms when he missed practice on Wednesday with a quad injury.
However, per the latest reports, he’s back on the field and should be ready to roll on Sunday, according to Underdog NFL.
Rico Dowdle (quad) seen participating in practice Thursday.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 6, 2025
Dowdle has been a bright spot for the Panthers’ offense this season, logging 131 carries for 735 rushing yards and four touchdowns while hauling in 15 receptions on 20 targets for 132 receiving yards and another score.
Rico Dowdle’s Viral Celebration Draws Fine, Raises Money for Charity
The former Dallas Cowboys running back went viral for his touchdown celebration in the win over the Packers.
He replicated the iconic “Key & Peele” two pumps sketch. But, unlike in the TV show, he was still flagged and fined for unsportsmanlike conduct.
With that in mind, he decided to start a GoFundMe to pay for his fines, or so it seemed at first, but it actually had a much more noble purpose:
“After much thought, I’ve launched a GoFundMe for my fines. Key said I got three pumps, but I guess the NFL disagrees,” Dowdle wrote. “Actually, 100% of what is raised through this fundraiser will be sent to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Children’s Home Society promotes the right of every child to a permanent, safe, and loving family. They specialize in education and prevention programs, family preservation, and adoption and foster care. Let’s raise some money.”
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $19,000.
Dowdle has already started to become a fan favorite after taking over Chubba Hubbard when he got hurt earlier in the season. Now, he may have definitely won them over for life.
They signed him to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million in the offseason. So far, he has the third-highest PFSN impact metric grade among all eligible running backs (89.0), and he’s most definitely playing his way up a much more lucrative contract.
