Is Rico Dowdle hurt today? Why Panthers RB is splitting reps with Chuba Hubbard vs. Rams

Teddy Ricketson

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Is Rico Dowdle hurt today? Why Panthers RB is splitting reps with Chuba Hubbard vs. Rams image

One of the problems with the Carolina Panthers during the regular season was its inability to play consistent offense. Injuries played a role, but head coach Dave Canales struggled to decide whether to ride the hot hand at running back or split the backfield between Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. 

Over the course of the season, Dowdle had much better stats than Hubbard. He played in all 17 games and had 1,076 rushing yards with six touchdowns, while Hubbard had 511 yards and a touchdown in 15 games. Still, Canales continued to give Hubbard work, usually before Dowdle in games. 

This storyline continued in the first half of Saturday's wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Hubbard saw a lot of early work and scored a touchdown, but it made many wonder where the productive 1,000-yard running back Dowdle was. 

Here is more on the Panthers' early running back usage against the Rams in Wild Card weekend. 

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Is Rico Dowdle injured

No. Dowdle doesn't appear to be hurt and has played in the game. The Panthers have been alternating their running backs with Hubbard being the heavy hand early. 

Is Rico Dowdle playing today? 

Yes. Dowdle has seen a few snaps in the first half, but the running back work is being dominated by Hubbard. When both running backs are healthy, they are known to split carries. When Carolina played Los Angeles earlier in the regular season, Dowdle had 18 carries while Hubbard had 17. Both had two targets and two receptions in the game. 

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Rico Dowdle stats vs. Rams

Here is a look at Dowdle's first-half stats against the Rams.

  • Carries: 4
  • Rushing Yards: 9
  • Rushing TDs: 0
  • Targets: 1
  • Receptions: 0
  • Receiving Yards: 0
  • Receiving TDs: 0

Chuba Hubbard stats vs. Rams

Here is a look at Hubbard's first-half stats against the Rams. 

  • Carries: 4
  • Rushing Yards: 17
  • Rushing TDs: 1
  • Targets: 2
  • Receptions: 1
  • Receiving Yards: 6
  • Receiving TDs: 0

Hubbard did punch in Carolina's first touchdown of the game. 

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