Overview
- The coach said he "cannot ignore" Dowdle's impact and is evaluating giving him the bulk of carries after two weeks of alternating series with Chuba Hubbard.
- Dowdle set a two-game franchise mark with 473 scrimmage yards while Hubbard was out, and since Hubbard’s return he has 133 yards on 25 carries versus Hubbard’s 65 on 26.
- Hubbard has not been briefed on a diminished role, though he said his focus remains on winning.
- Carolina’s offensive planning is constrained by fresh line injuries, including guard Brady Christensen’s season-ending Achilles tear, with Taylor Moton (knee) and Cade Mays (ankle) to be evaluated.
- Context for any shift includes Hubbard’s four-year, $33.2 million extension and Dowdle’s one-year deal, plus the team monitoring Bryce Young’s ankle with hopes he practices this week.