CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers need a fast start.
Last Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Bryce Young committed two turnovers during his initial seven plays, leading to 17-0, second-quarter deficit. Young redeemed himself by rallying the Panthers to a 27-24 victory at Bank of America Stadium. It marked the third time in franchise history it came back to win after trailing by at least three scores.
Young also lost a fumble and threw an interception during his opening two possessions against the host Arizona Cardinals. Young’s comeback attempt came up short Sept. 14.
With the Dallas Cowboys coming to town Sunday, Panthers coach Dave Canales spoke of avoiding early miscues. The Cowboys (2-2-1) possess the NFL’s top offense, generating 406.6 yards per game.
“It’s important to us to play our brand of football,” Canales said following Friday’s walk-through practice. “It’s important to us to come out and start fast and maintain the drives we’ve been looking to finish and put it all together.”
To help control early tempo, Canales could look to running back Rico Dowdle, who will earn his second straight start with Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out. Dowdle rushed for a career-best 206 yards to help rescue the Panthers last Sunday.
“Just looking for him to do the same thing,” Canales said. “Run with violence and make the most of his opportunities. The energy that Rico brought to how he finished some of those runs should inspire the whole group.
After being named NFC offensive player of the week Wednesday, #Panthers RB Rico Dowdle is preparing for a personal match against his former team, #Cowboys . “Get your seatbelt and buckle up,” he said … pic.twitter.com/Ufp2YijdCf
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 8, 2025
Carolina Panthers Injury Report
Canales confirmed Friday that, along with Hubbard, right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow) will miss the Cowboys matchup.
“We’ll re-evaluate him,” Canales said. “He’ll get treated through the weekend and we’ll take a look at it Monday.”
Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (toe) and cornerback Akayleb Evans (hamstring) were also ruled out.
Canales said the team will make “game-time decisions” on wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps), tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (ankle) and cornerbacks Mike Jackson (ribs) and Chau Smith-Wade (chest).
#Panthers going with black helmets for #Cowboys on #NFL Sunday … pic.twitter.com/eDc0K14cS6
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 10, 2025
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