Revenge games have a pulse of their own: faster, louder, and deeply personal. For Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, this week’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys isn’t just another Sunday; it’s a statement. The same team that once gave him a start in the NFL and then let him walk without an offer is now in his sights. 

And Dowdle’s message to his former teammates? “Buckle up,” Dowdle warned them when asked about facing his old teammates. He said, “They gotta buckle up, stand on that,” he said. “Buckle them chin straps up tight, and I will be coming.” Dowdle has every reason to be fired up. The 27-year-old exploded for over 200 rushing yards in Carolina’s comeback win over the Miami Dolphins, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Yet, amid all the talk of revenge, Dowdle’s admiration for his new quarterback, Bryce Young, stood out. Speaking after their dramatic rally against Miami, Dowdle praised Young’s poise under pressure. “He never gets out of the moment,” he said. “Even when we were down 17-0, he was shaking everybody up, telling them we still got a chance. He stayed composed, made two huge plays on fourth down that kept us alive.”

Rico Dowdle’s performance against Miami also earned a congratulatory text from his former quarterback, Dak Prescott.  “I like Rico. I love Rico,” Prescott said. He added, “I just texted him at the end of last game, ‘Helluva job running for 200.’” But this week, there’ll be no friendly exchanges, not with Dowdle doubling down on his warning. He joked about Dowdle’s comment and said, “We have to. We’re getting on a plane.” 

As Dowdle prepares to face Dallas, there’s a sense that he’s not just out to prove them wrong; he’s proving himself right. With Bryce Young leading the charge and his own confidence peaking, the Panthers’ newest star seems ready to turn “buckle up” into a promise.

Rico Dowdle set for revenge start against former team as Chuba Hubbard sidelined again

The Carolina Panthers have officially ruled out running back Chuba Hubbard for Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys after he missed his sixth straight practice with a calf strain. It paved the way for Dowdle to start against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. Dowdle spent five seasons in Dallas before joining Carolina as a free agent in the offseason.

The 27-year-old’s breakout came as Carolina erased a 17-point deficit to beat Miami. He finished with 234 total yards from scrimmage, the most by any running back in a single game in the NFL this season. Even more impressive, Dowdle missed part of the second half due to cramping.

His effort may have changed the dynamics of Carolina’s backfield. When Hubbard returns, the workload split could look different. For now, Dowdle is set to handle the lead role again, and it’s another favorable matchup. 

However, the Panthers will again be short-handed. Right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow), defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (toe), and defensive back Akayleb Evans (hamstring) are all out. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (ankle) is questionable. While receiver Jalen Coker and cornerbacks Mike Jackson and Chau Wade-Smith are also listed as questionable. Yosh Nijman is expected to start in place of Moton.

Still, Dowdle’s focus remains sharp. After his explosive Week 5, all eyes will be on whether the ex-Cowboy can make good on his message and make Dallas “buckle up” again.