CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle undoubtedly scared scores of NFL fantasy users.
The NFC’s leading rusher tweaked his quadriceps during last Sunday’s 16-13 upset win over the Green Bay Packers, but still compiled 130 rushing yards against one of the NFL’s No. 5-ranked defenses.
With the Panthers (5-4) celebrating their first “Victory Monday” of coach Dave Canales’ two-year era, Dowdle sat out Wednesday’s practice and was listed as limited Thursday.
Dowdle did not appear on the injury list Friday.
When asked if Dowdle will get the start Sunday against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium, Canales said emphatically: “Yes.”
Dowdle, the fourth player in franchise history to collect three games with at least 125 rushing yards, compiled 735 this season, the NFL’s fourth-best mark. Stephen Davis (five games in 2003) established the standard, followed by Christian McCaffrey (four in ‘19) and DeAngelo Williams (three in ‘08 and ‘09).
Against the Packers, Dowdle, despite the injury, participated in 72 percent of the snaps. RB2 Chuba Hubbard competed in 22 percent.
If healthy, fantasy users can expect Canales to employ a similar workload. The Saints (1-8) enter Sunday yielding 129.4 rushing yards per game.
“Rico looked great,” Canales said after Friday’s practice. “He had a full day, a full day of work, and really looking forward to him on Sunday.”
#Panthers coach Dave Canales on Friday addresses RB Rico Dowdle’s health and starting status for Sunday’s #NFL matchup vs. visiting #Saints … pic.twitter.com/0ztwOZ7VFy
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 7, 2025
Carolina Panthers Rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan Joins Injury List
Canales didn’t want to risk further aggravation of Tetairoa McMillan’s hampered hamstring. So, the Panthers’ coach held out the rookie wide receiver for much of Friday’s workout.
Appearing on the injury report as questionable, McMillan has not been ruled out against the Saints.
“Something popped up in practice, so you know we shut him down for part of it,” Canales said. “We’ll look at him again (Saturday) morning, though, just to make sure that he’s ready to go. We’ll just take a look and see where he’s at, hoping he can go.”
McMillan, the No. 8 pick in last April’s draft, paces the Panthers with 41 catches on 69 targets, compiling 558 yards. He’s added two touchdowns.
If McMillan does not dress Sunday, veteran Hunter Renfrow, who has been inactive the past three games, likely would replace the first-year player.
“I’m so glad Hunter’s here,” Canales said. “Just the way that he goes about his work, what he’s been, his reputation speaks for itself. And you know the way that he works and the way that he’s focused and locked in, it really affects the group in a positive way.”
#Panthers (5-4) huddle prior to Friday’s #NFL practice. They face the 1-8 #Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday … pic.twitter.com/0d9Si75tEa
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 7, 2025
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