The Rico Dowdle train has hit a roadblock in the first half of Week 11. After stealing the starting RB job from Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle has shown up big time as the main man for Carolina. Even when he hasn’t been super effective, he’s found the end zone. In Week 11, Dowdle has had a very slow start and has been a non-factor.
Rico Dowdle’s Disappointing First Half
Many fantasy managers will be depending on Dowdle to have a good game. They will be very disappointed with Dowdle’s showing in the first half. Dowdle is not hurt, but hasn’t done much of anything. The Panthers are struggling to get in a groove offensively after an opening drive score, while the Falcons are moving the ball with ease against Carolina.
Dowdle has just five carries for 13 yards and one catch for two yards. In the final drive of the first half, the Panthers turned to Hubbard in the backfield instead of Dowdle. Hubbard lost his job while injured, but is showing why he should get his touches back.
Dowdle is the third-highest ranked running back in PFSN’s RB Impact score with a grade of 86.2. Dowdle has been a revelation with a couple masterpieces in the early part of the season, but head coach Dave Canales wasn’t happy with Dowdle and turned to Hubbard for a spark late in the second quarter.
Hubbard was effective in his carries as he took two carries for 12 yards, nearly outdoing Dowdle’s totals. Canales went back to Dowdle in the opening drive of the second half. The opening drive went great for Carolina as they cut the 11-point halftime deficit to just five points after failing the two-point try.
The Panthers are back in it and need to walk away with this victory to stay in the NFC playoff hunt with plenty of competition looking to make the playoffs. The Falcons are playing for their season in essence, so they will be desperate to take down Carolina.
With the game close early in the third quarter, the Panthers can afford to establish the run as clock is not their immediate enemy. Fans will be hoping that Dowdle can find his rhythm in the second half and continue his great 2025 campaign by rewarding them with some yards and scores.
A huge turnover gave the Panthers a chance to take the lead. The Panthers gave Dowdle the red zone carries, so the Hubbard drive looked to be just for the end of the half and no further.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.