One of the most surprising results of Week 3 was the Carolina Panthers’ 30-0 demolition of the Atlanta Falcons after entering the game 0-2. Veteran running back Chuba Hubbard was one of the main reasons for the victory, turning his 17 carries into 73 yards, including two first downs. The 26-year-old had his best campaign in 2024, amassing 1,366 yards and 11 scores, and his 51.2% rushing success rate so far this season is on par with his mark from 2024.
However, Hubbard was added to the injury report late in the week and was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday as he deals with a calf injury. If he can’t go for Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET clash against the New England Patriots, Rico Dowdle will become the team’s leading back. Through the first three weeks, Dowdle’s 19 carries have resulted in just 51 yards and a score, but he was arguably even better than Hubbard last season, recording 274 touches, 1,328 yards, and five total scores with the Dallas Cowboys. Dowdle’s 4.8 yards per touch and 53.1% receiving success rate both outpaced Hubbard.
If Hubbard can’t play, Dowdle would be worth starting thanks to his historic effectiveness in the passing game. Though the Patriots have had a pretty good run defense, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards and the second-worst rushing efficiency, they’ve allowed the fifth-most receiving yards to running backs. New England has also struggled with tackling in open space, posting the worst tackle grade and tying for the sixth-most missed tackles. Because the Patriots have gotten pressure at an above-average rate, Bryce Young should be incentivized to check it down, which would benefit Dowdle.
Plus, while Carolina has operated a fairly pass-friendly offense so far, personnel availability might favor run packages against New England. First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan is questionable with a calf injury, and Xavier Legette is out out, leaving the Panthers dangerously thin at wide receiver. The Patriots could also be getting their top cornerback back, as All-Pro Second Teamer Christian Gonzalez is questionable to make his season debut. If Gonzalez returns, Young could feel more comfortable handing it off to Dowdle instead of testing Gonzalez with Hunter Renfrow.
