Panthers head coach Dave Canales is reviewing multiple aspects of the team’s performance as he begins his regular self-scouting process, which takes place every four weeks. Among the topics under consideration is the running back rotation, particularly the roles of Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle.
Canales said the coaching staff has not made a final decision or discussed potential changes with the players yet. During Hubbard’s absence earlier this season due to a calf strain, Dowdle stepped in and recorded 389 rushing yards with an average of 7.3 yards per carry over two games. Since Hubbard returned and resumed his lead role, his production has dropped to 2.5 yards per carry on 26 attempts, while Dowdle has averaged 5.7 yards per carry on 25 attempts.
“It’s a fair observation, and you know Chuba has meant a lot to this organization, certainly to the identity that we want to build our team on,” Canales said. “And wanted to give Chuba the opportunity to go out there and to continue to impact our team in a positive way.
“We cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional in a couple of games and then in the opportunities he’s had over the last two weeks. He’s made some excellent plays, loved the tempo and violence that he’s running with, and these are all things that we’re talking about and working through this week as we look back on these last four games and really taking a snapshot of what’s been successful for us. These are conversations that we do definitely have to have.”
Canales emphasized appreciation for Hubbard’s contributions during last year’s rebuilding period when he rushed for a career-best 1,195 yards and scored ten touchdowns in fifteen games. Dowdle joined Carolina this season after gaining 1,079 rushing yards with Dallas last year.
“That’s something we’re looking at, and you know, again, we have to respect the job that Chuba has done for us, to get us to the point where we’ve established a mentality about how we run,” Canales said. “And we cannot ignore the fact that Rico has made an impact when he’s been out there.
“So these are things that we’re talking through as a staff, and we’ll make that decision as the week goes on.”
In addition to running back decisions, Canales addressed concerns about injuries on the offensive line after three starters left Sunday’s game without finishing. He confirmed Brady Christensen suffered a “significant” Achilles injury but postponed updates regarding Taylor Moton and Cade Mays until Wednesday’s injury report.
Chandler Zavala will begin practicing this week after being placed on injured reserve following a knee injury sustained in Week 5 against New England. His return opens up additional options for depth along an offensive line that finished Sunday’s game with only five healthy players available.
Canales mentioned they would consider all internal candidates for filling gaps on the line: “Those are the guys that we’re talking to and looking at right now,” Canales said. “So we’ll make that decision as the week goes on, once we know where everyone’s at.”
Quarterback Bryce Young was inactive Sunday due to an ankle injury but completed some running drills Monday. The plan is for Young to attempt practice participation by Wednesday if possible.
“With Bryce, just getting better every day, had a good session running today,” Canales said. “And the goal is to get him out there on Wednesday, move him around, and see if we can get him into practice, in a mode. So I’m optimistic that he’ll be out there, but we’re going to take it day to day with him.”
Young has missed only one other game due to injury since joining Carolina.
The Panthers’ defense faced criticism after allowing Buffalo Bills’ James Cook III to rush for 216 yards during their recent 40-9 loss—despite having held one of the league’s top rush defenses since Week 2. Linebacker Christian Rozeboom acknowledged both Buffalo’s effective scheme and shortcomings by Carolina’s defense.
“We obviously didn’t play to the standard that we’ve kind of set for ourselves,” Rozeboom admitted.
He added: “There’s going to be stuff to fix…so it’s going to be something that we’re going to have to deal with in the future. So, we’ll get those things addressed…get back to that run defense that we kind of established…”
Rozeboom expressed confidence issues could be resolved before facing Josh Jacobs next week: “I think it’s definitely addressable…we’re going to get those things fixed and get back to the standard we set as a defense.”
