Following the Carolina Panthers‘ significant 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8, Head Coach Dave Canales addressed the glaring disparity in production between running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard during the postgame press conference.

Canales’ comments signaled that the team is grappling with internal discussions regarding their backfield usage and rotation. Carolina Blitz highlighted this uncertainty by quoting the coach on X.

“These are definitely conversations we’re going to have.”

This looming discussion is directly fueled by the clear difference in efficiency since the team implemented a split backfield approach two weeks ago with the return of Chuba Hubbard.

While Hubbard was sidelined with a calf strain in Weeks 5 and 6, Rico Dowdle delivered historic output, racking up an astonishing 473 scrimmage yards and two scores across two Panthers victories. Since Hubbard’s return in Week 7, however, the alternating-series plan has heavily favored Dowdle’s results.

Canales further elaborated on preferring Dowdle, as he said, 

“We cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional, you know, in a couple of games. And then in the opportunities he’s had over the last two weeks, you know, he’s made some excellent plays. Love the tempo and violence that he is running with. These are all things we look back on these last four games and really take a snapshot of what’s been successful for us.”

Dowdle outplayed Hubbard again on Sunday, which is why Canales couldn’t stop himself from not appreciating him. 

Dave Canales sheds light on their QB making his return soon 

The Panthers are eagerly hoping for the return of quarterback Bryce Young, who is nearing a comeback after an ankle injury sustained in the Week 7 victory over the Jets. Head coach Dave Canales provided an encouraging update on Young’s status during his Monday press conference:

“With Bryce, [he’s] just getting better every day,” he added, “ The goal is to get him out there on Wednesday, move him around, see if we can get him into practice in a mode. So, I’m optimistic he’ll be out there. But we’re going to take it day-to-day with him.”

Young’s absence was keenly felt in the team’s disastrous Week 8 loss to Buffalo, where veteran backup Andy Dalton stepped in. While Dalton had the complete trust of his head coach, his performance was far from ideal. Dalton finished 16-of-24 for 175 yards with an interception and two lost fumbles, contributing to an overall sense that the game was moving too quickly for the three-time Pro Bowler. 

Though other factors contributed to the loss, Dalton’s hesitant and turnover-prone play, including the interception and two lost fumbles, stood out as one of the most glaring issues. The difference in performance underscores how crucial Young has become to the Carolina offense. So far in 2025, Young has been efficient, completing 62 percent of his throws for 1,288 yards, along with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He’s also added a dimension with his legs, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown.

It looks like Dave Canales is already clear on what he wants for the team in the upcoming scheduled games, starting in week 9.