The Carolina Panthers have a good problem on their hands: two running backs playing well, but only one starting spot to fill. Chuba Hubbard entered the season as the clear RB1 after signing a four-year extension and earning the confidence of the coaching staff. However, an early-season injury opened the door for Rico Dowdle, and he’s made the most of every opportunity since. Now, as Hubbard returns to the field, the coaching staff must decide if he should reclaim his starting role or if Dowdle has earned the right to stay on top of the depth chart.
The Case for Hubbard
Before his injury, Hubbard was the focal point of Carolina’s ground game. His running style—physical, consistent, and dependable—fit the Panthers’ offense perfectly. The organization showed serious faith in him this offseason, giving him a multi-year extension and praising his leadership both on and off the field. That type of commitment doesn’t come lightly, and it speaks to how much the Panthers value his presence. If Hubbard can return to full health and shake off the rust, it’s easy to argue that he deserves to get back to his old role. The team is invested in him not just for 2025, but as a foundational piece going forward.
The Case for Dowdle
Rico Dowdle didn’t just step in while Hubbard was injured—he burst onto the scene. In Week 5 against Miami, he exploded for over 200 rushing yards and a touchdown in a winning effort. He followed that with a dominant performance against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 183 yards, adding 56 receiving yards, and scoring another touchdown. Both games resulted in Panthers wins, and Dowdle was a massive part of the equation. When Hubbard returned this past week against the Jets, the two backs split carries, but Dowdle still had the edge in production. He finished with 79 rushing yards and 19 receiving, nearly hitting the 100-yard mark. Dowdle is simply producing, and that production can’t be ignored—especially when it’s translating into victories.
Why a 1A/1B or Committee Might Be the Smart Answer
This doesn’t have to be a battle of one or the other. In fact, the best answer may be a shared backfield approach, one that leans into the strengths of both players. Hubbard brings power and reliability. Dowdle brings explosiveness and momentum. Together, they form a backfield that can adapt to different game situations and keep opposing defenses guessing. Splitting carries also helps preserve the health of both players, something especially important as the season wears on. The Panthers don’t need to label one as the starter and the other as the backup—they can lean on both, rotating series or adjusting based on matchups, game flow, or who has the hot hand. What matters most is results, not titles.
So What Should Carolina Do Right Now?
Right now, it makes sense to ride the wave with Dowdle while gradually increasing Hubbard’s involvement. Dowdle is playing confident, efficient football, and the Panthers are winning when he’s heavily involved. At the same time, Hubbard needs touches to get back into rhythm, and his presence helps balance the offense. If he continues to progress physically, there’s no reason why both backs can’t be used interchangeably. The team benefits from having two legitimate starting-caliber running backs. As long as both stay healthy and committed to the team-first mentality, Carolina can shape a dynamic two-headed backfield that suits a variety of game plans and opponents.
Final Thoughts
Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle have both proven they deserve to be on the field. The Panthers don’t need to force a starter decision if the offense works better using both. Winning games is the bottom line, and so far, using Dowdle has brought wins. As Hubbard ramps back up, expect a true committee to emerge—less about status and more about situational usage. And with both backs locked in and motivated, the Panthers may have found a backfield formula that helps them keep winning down the stretch.