Rico Dowdle is the Carolina Panthers number 5 running back, a 5-year pro, and finished the 2026 regular season as a streaming-viable fantasy option at his position. He averaged 11.6 fantasy points per game across 17 appearances, though he currently sits outside our ranked 2026 draft board at running back. That per-game number is the starting point for every start or sit decision you make with him in 2026.
Rico Dowdle finished 2026 with 1,076 rushing yards and 6 ground scores. He added 39 catches for 297 receiving yards, a meaningful passing-game role that lifts his PPR floor without making him a pure receiving back.
For the start or sit call on Rico Dowdle this week, with his matchup and injury status factored in, get the free DraftCall app. It compares him with any other NFL player and names the one to start.