The Carolina Panthers are evaluating their approach to the running back position as they prepare for upcoming games. Head coach Dave Canales addressed questions about how the team will balance playing time between Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, both of whom have contributed significantly to the team’s ground game.
During a recent press conference, Canales acknowledged Hubbard’s impact on the team but also recognized Dowdle’s strong performance during Hubbard’s absence due to a calf injury. In those two games, Dowdle averaged 7.33 yards per carry and accumulated 389 rushing yards. Since Hubbard’s return, Dowdle has maintained an average of 5.7 yards per carry on 25 attempts, while Hubbard has averaged 2.5 yards per carry on 26 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 indicated that he expects all running backs—including rookie Trevor Etienne—to be prepared for game day.
“Just work; just hard work, and that’s what we count on,” Canales replied Friday when asked what he’s seen from his backs this week in practice. “We count on all those guys, Trevor included, when they get in there that we can count on them. Whether it’s in the run game, whether it’s in pass protection or running routes, you know, just everything you’ve got every single play, and that’s the mentality.
“I love that room. Bernie (Parmalee, the running backs coach) does a great job with those guys, getting them ready, taking care of the ball first and foremost, and running with violence. Everything they do, I ask them to do with violence, and that’s what we want to see out of the guys, that’s what they showed this week.”
The coaching staff emphasizes maximum effort from each player during their time on the field—a necessity given that heavy workloads can lead to fatigue or cramping late in games. This was evident when Dowdle had high numbers of carries while Hubbard was sidelined; he needed breaks late in both contests due to cramps.
Former Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart discussed this dynamic during an appearance on Panthers Postgame Show with Kristen Balboni. Stewart noted that having multiple capable backs is crucial for maintaining offensive momentum throughout games.
“We talk about juice; eventually juice does run out, right?” Stewart said this week on the Panthers Postgame Show with Kristen Balboni. “And when juice runs out, that’s when you have other juice items to put into the midst of the game plan, right?
“And so there’s no need to make this anything more than what it is. See, the hot hand is all about what is best for the offensive unit right now, right?”
Stewart recalled his own experience sharing carries with DeAngelo Williams after being drafted by Carolina—pointing out how both players complemented each other without focusing solely on individual stats or series splits.
“Me and DeAngelo, we were both first rounders, right?” Stewart said. “And so we had the understanding coming into this I was drafted into a situation knowing DeAngelo Williams was balling right? So I’m not here to take a spot I’m here to fulfill a duty I’m here to complement him and complement this offense because we also drafted (run-blocking right tackle) Jeff Otah so I knew what time it was We’re going to run the rock and so I want to be a part of that right?
“So how me and DeAngelo did it it wasn’t ‘You get this series I get this series’ It was hey you go out there and do what you’ve got to do I’m here on the sideline If you need me to come in there after you break a long run I’m coming in If it’s tough sledding in there and you need somebody to come in and help you out I’m coming in because it’s just a change of pace right? It’s just opportunity when things aren’t going well change pace When things aren’t going well with your guy boom hit it running then we can all eat.”
He highlighted past successes where splitting carries led not only individual achievements but also wins for Carolina—including memorable performances such as both Williams’ 186-yard outing paired with Stewart’s own 115 yards against Tampa Bay in Week 14 of his rookie season.
Stewart compared these situations with more recent examples like D’Onta Foreman’s collaboration alongside Hubbard against Detroit—when both exceeded 100 rushing yards—inspiring confidence across positions including offensive linemen who benefit from an established run game.
“I mean I look back…that was definition of we’re all going eat…I look back couple years ago…Chuba & D’Onta Foreman…played Detroit Lions…game plan cold outside we’re all going eat man grown man football The offensive linemen guess what they love do They like eat too so I think give them opportunity take type form find type flow because will benefit team mostly especially against teams contenders
“You want able slow down much possible…do best have run game especially high-power offense putting up big numbers capability running score if allow How take ball out hands? That’s successful running game.”
In Stewart’s view—and based on his experience—having two proven backs like Hubbard (1,195 rushing yards last season) and Dowdle (1,079 for Dallas) gives Carolina flexibility similar previous productive tandems.
“You get your running game established you get established early make commitment commit it,” Stewart said “because not only instill confidence offensive line running backs keeps defense fresh don’t think people understand value having fresh defense fourth quarter football game how much difference can win-loss total because end day defense finish games where NFL usually won fourth quarter
“We used compete say ourselves let us be guys finish game.”
Stewart echoed head coach Dave Canales’ goal: building depth at running back helps maintain consistency late into games—potentially improving outcomes for Carolina as they face tough opponents ahead.
