After the Carolina Panthers‘ blowout loss to the Bills, head coach Dave Canales finally addressed the growing debate between running backs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. With Dowdle outperforming since Hubbard’s return, Canales’ comments hinted at possible changes in the backfield.

Carolina Blitz revealed the depth of uncertainty in the Panthers’ backfield strategy by quoting Dave Canales’ postgame remarks on X. “These are definitely conversations we’re going to have.”

This ongoing debate is fueled by the noticeable difference in efficiency since the Panthers adopted a split backfield approach two weeks ago, following Hubbard’s return.

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.

The head coach further elaborated on his preference for Dowdle, saying, “We cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional in a couple of games. And then in the opportunities he’s had over the last two weeks.”

“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,” Canales added.

Dowdle outplayed Hubbard (34 rushing yards on 12 carries) again on Sunday, prompting Canales to openly praise his performance. The 27 years old led the Panthers’ backfield in Week 8 with 54 rushing yards on just 8 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. He opened the game with a 29-yard kickoff return and logged a 24-yard run, showing burst and control despite limited touches.

As the Panthers weigh their backfield options, Canales also turned attention to another key piece of the puzzle, quarterback Bryce Young.

Dave Canales teases QB return

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 Canales provided an encouraging update on Young’s status during his Monday press conference:

“With Bryce, [he’s] just getting better every day,” he said, “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 completed 16 of 24 passes for 175 yards, threw an interception, and lost two fumbles. His hesitant and turnover-prone play was one of the most glaring issues in the Panthers’ Week 8 loss to Buffalo.

While other factors contributed, the contrast in performance highlights how crucial the starting quarterback has become to Carolina’s 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.