Will Rico Dowdle Play in Week 11? What Fantasy Owners Need to Know About Panthers RB Status

One of the biggest surprises across the NFL this season had been Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle.

Dowdle joined the Panthers this season, signing a one-year deal in free agency after spending five season with the Dallas Cowboys. Entering Week 11, Dowdle ranks top 10 in carries an rushing yards and has been a boost at the running back position for Carolina.

Rico Dowdle Injury Update

Rico Dowdle popped up on the injury report for a second straight week with a quad injury. Dowdle played in last week’s game despite the designation. He popped up again on the injury report with the same quad issue. Though he began the week on the injury report, it was more for a precautionary measure as he returned to practice on Thursday.

Rico DOWDLE was held out of practice on Wednesday but returned yesterday, per @daringantt 🙌🏻

I’m now always concerned when I see he’s being held out of practice… but hey, Superman needs to hang up his cape once in awhile🤷‍♂️#KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/meMi265ftf

— SleeperPanthers (@SleeperCarolina) November 14, 2025

Is Rico Dowdle Playing in Week 11 vs. Falcons?

All signs point to Rico Dowdle playing this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Dowdle was not listed on the injury report for Friday as of Friday morning, suggesting that the team just gave him some veteran rest early in the week. Barring something unexpected, he will play this weekend.

Rico Dowdle (quad) not listed on injury report for Week 11.

— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) November 14, 2025

Rico Dowdle Fantasy Outlook

Rico Dowdle has been one of the best running backs in fantasy this season. Heading into Week 11, he ranks third in rushing yards (788), and is tied for the 11th most rushing touchdowns with five. He also has 18 receptions and 142 receiving yards.

While it was Chuba Hubbard that got the big contract, Dowdle has been the feature back, having 62 more carries this season than Hubbard. Dowdle has had five games this season where he has had 17+ carries, with Hubbard just having one.

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