Rico Dowdle

Per Next Gen Stats...the Panthers called a run play on 38 of 62 offensive plays (61.3%), their highest rate under coach Dave Canales.
Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard were effective on inside runs, averaging 4.2 yards per carry (19 carries for 80 yards) compared to 3.8 yards per carry on outside runs (16 carries for 61 yards). Hubbard recorded a season-high 6 first downs and generated +16 rushing yards over expected in the contest (Next Gen Stats).
Hubbard was on a heater in this game, and I do think he was the better of the two Panthers RBs. Scored early on a pass from Bryce Young. The camera also panned to Dowdle on the sideline, looking at his shoulder. But obviously, he was fine.
But Chuba Hubbard had the hot hand today (58% snap share) - and that is concerning for Dowdle investors long term.
Last week, Rico Dowdle totaled just 10 touches to Chuba Hubbard's 7. Dowdle only played 65% of the snaps - his lowest mark since Week 8.
In Week 13, touches were 19-18 in favor of Hubbard. And he has already been playing more on third downs because of his proficient pass-protection.
If we are going back to a closer committee, Dowdle can't be trusted as a fantasy RB1 ROS, given some of the tougher matchups that include the Buccaneers and Seahawks. In the last four weeks, Dowdle has not finished higher than RB14 on the week. In fact, Dowdle only has one RB1 finish since Hubbard returned to the lineup in Week 7.
After a strong Hubbard showing...we might see this backfield go back to 50/50. Worked out in this last game for the Panthers.

Rico Dowdle ran for 58 yards on 15 carries in the Panthers 31-28 win over the Rams. He also caught 2-of-2 targets for 21 yards receiving.

Fantasy Impact

Dowdle had one big run for 17 yards, but he was otherwise shut down on the ground. He was outshined by Chuba Hubbard who saw 17 carries with a receiving score. It appears that it's becoming more of a committee right now in the Panthers backfield, moving Dowdle back to RB2 status.