9 Teams Submit Trade Offers for Panthers RB Rico Dowdle — Market Heating Up Fast
In a shocking development that’s taking the NFL world by storm, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has revealed that nine teams have made trade offers for his services. The running back, who has spent his career primarily as a backup behind star players, has now found himself caught in a whirlwind of trade talks as the Panthers’ rebuilding process continues.
Dowdle, who has contributed to the Panthers in a variety of roles over the years, is now weighing his future with the franchise. In an exclusive statement, he shared, "Dave Canales told me there were nine teams interested in trading for me. I said, if there’s truly a place where I can get a real shot – like a starting RB role – then let me go. But if not, I’m staying with the Panthers, the place that’s shaped me, giving everything I’ve got and waiting for my moment to come."
Dowdle’s time with the Panthers has seen its ups and downs, as he’s often been relegated to a backup role behind the team’s top running backs. However, those who have followed his career closely know that the 25-year-old has never lacked for talent. Whether as a change-of-pace back or a special teams contributor, Dowdle has flashed his potential when given the chance.
The Panthers, who are deep in a rebuilding phase under head coach Dave Canales, face an important decision regarding Dowdle’s future with the team. While it’s clear that the Panthers are actively looking to build for the future, the possibility of trading Dowdle to a team where he could start represents a significant opportunity for the young back. If he were to leave the Panthers, Dowdle could find himself in a starting role, given his proven versatility and skill set.
Several teams with injury-riddled backfields or in need of a spark in the running game are believed to be among the suitors for Dowdle. His ability to contribute both as a traditional ball carrier and a receiving option out of the backfield has made him a highly attractive trade target for teams looking to bolster their backfield.
However, despite the trade interest, Dowdle has made it clear that he’s not in a rush to leave Carolina. His loyalty to the Panthers is evident, as he remains committed to giving everything he has to the franchise that helped shape him into the player he is today. If the right opportunity to start materializes, Dowdle is ready to embrace it, but for now, he’s content to stay and wait for his moment with the Panthers.
As the trade deadline approaches, Dowdle’s future in Carolina remains uncertain. Will the Panthers move him to a new team where he can take on a more prominent role? Or will he stay in Carolina, continuing to fight for the opportunity he believes he’s earned? With nine teams reportedly in the hunt for his services, the next few days could be crucial in determining the next chapter of Dowdle’s career.
Packers Get Murky Josh Jacobs Injury Update Ahead of Cardinals Game
The Green Bay Packers enter Week 7 with a 3-1-1 record with a road game against the Arizona Cardinals.
While the Packers were hoping that wide receiver Christian Watson would make his season debut this weekend, he was ruled out on Friday as he waits at least another week to make his return from a torn ACL.
Entering the weekend, the Packers also had a big injury question about running back Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report with a calf injury and an illness, and Adam Schefter of ESPN dropped an update late Saturday night.
“Packers RB Josh Jacobs, listed as questionable for Sunday due to illness and a calf injury, is now being considered a “true game-time decision” for Sunday’s matchup vs. the Cardinals, per source. The team says it does not expect to know whether he can play until Sunday. If Jacobs is unable to play, Packers RB Emanuel Wilson would be the expected starter,” Schefter wrote on X.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also reported a similar statement shortly after Schefter.
“Packers standout RB Josh Jacobs, dealing with an illness and a calf strain, is up in the air regarding his status on Sunday, per me and @TomPelissero. Whether he plays will be determined pre-game.”
If Jcobs can’t go, it looks to be Emanuel Wilson who will start. Wilson has just 18 carries for 84 yards this season.
Josh Jacobs Played Sick In Week 6
Sam Hodde/GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In Week 6, the Packers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 27-18. In that game, Jacobs had 18 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns.
To make it even more impressive, Jacobs admitted he was sick during the game and was throwing up.
“Throwing up during the game, after,” Jacobs said, via Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “I really don’t know where it came from. I just kind of woke up this morning just not feeling my best. But I told ’em, the last time that I felt that way, I had 130 (yards) and two touchdowns. So it is what it is.”
Yet, he was able to be efficient despite the illness.
Packers Made a RB Move on Saturday
Jacobs did practice fully on Friday, but the latest reports from Schefter and Rapoport cast some doubt on whether or not he will suit up.
To put that even more into question, the Packers elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad earlier on Saturday.
While it could be nothing, bringing up another running back one day before the game is an interesting move, especially given Jacobs’ injury and illness.
This season, Jacobs has 359 yards with six touchdowns on 98 carries, and he is the only Packers RB with more than 100 yards, so not having him available would be a tough blow.
The Packers and Cardinals kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
