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Dak Prescott refuses to give Rico Dowdle bulletin-board material ahead of former teammate's revenge game

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott expected to miss multiple weeks with hamstring  injury

Quarterback Dak Prescott isn't giving Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle any bulletin-board material heading into the Dallas Cowboys' road game on Sunday.

After rushing for a career-high 206 yards in a 27-24 Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins, the former Cowboy said Dallas better "buckle up" in Week 6.

Dak Prescott reacts to Rico Dowdle's comments

Per Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News, on Thursday, Prescott said he texted Dowdle — whom he played with in Dallas from 2020-24 — to congratulate him after his career day. When asked about his comments, the QB said, "We have to [buckle up]. We're getting on a plane." 

The Cowboys will fly approximately 943 miles from Dallas to Charlotte for Sunday's game. However, Prescott's amusing reply was his way of deflecting the question and not putting more pressure on the Cowboys' struggling run defense.

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Through five weeks, Dallas (2-2-1) ranks 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed (127.4). The team couldn't even stop the New York Jets' ground attack during a 37-22 Week 5 road win. The 0-5 Jets logged 144 yards in that matchup.

This could set the stage for another big day for Dowdle, who may start for a second straight game. Panthers starting RB Chuba Hubbard sat out in Week 5 because of a calf injury and didn't practice Thursday, via Darin Gantt of the team website. Whether Dowdle starts or not, expect him to keep running angry against his former team.

"It's the attitude [Dowdle] ran with, the violence he ran with, finishing through arm tackles, something that we've been challenging our guys on," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said following the win over Miami. "When we get to that second level, have a plan for how you finish. I saw a great finish out of Rico today."

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Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated Dowdle's violent running doesn't scare his players. On Monday, he said, "We're gonna have our seatbelts, Rico." 

But if Dallas' defense can't buckle down against Dowdle and the Panthers (2-3), the Cowboys will count on Prescott staying hot. Through five games, he's playing at a league MVP level, ranking second in the league in passing yards (1,356) and third in QBR (76.5). 

 
 

 

Owner David Tepper Admits He Lacks the Competence to Run Football Operations
Can you believe it? David Tepper, the "notorious" owner of the Carolina Panthers, has finally "confessed" a truth that team fans have been waiting for years: He doesn't have enough ability to handle everything himself! But hold on, this isn't a "disaster" – it's a "positive twist" that's saving the Panthers! Is Tepper "letting go" to let the team soar? Read now to uncover the "secret" behind this shocking statement! David Tepper, the billionaire famous for his "deep interference" style in the Carolina Panthers, has undergone an astonishing positive change in ownership. Instead of "micromanaging" every decision like before, Tepper is now less involved, allowing football operations to run independently under the guidance of experts. The result? The team is achieving stability and success beyond expectations, currently tied for first in the NFC South with potential to return to the playoffs after many "sinking" seasons! At the annual charity event Joy to the Carolinas on December 9, 2025, Tepper expressed confidence in the organization's new direction, implicitly admitting that he's not a "superhero" who can run everything himself. He said: "It's not bad at all. It's pretty good; it's all just building blocks, and we'll see where we go. We'll see what happens. We think, as I've said, Dave Canales, Dan Morgan, Brandt Tilis, and everyone in the organization, we're building something special in Carolina. And we've built it outside the community. We're building it on the field, so that's the overall picture. Hopefully, we can continue and have that for many years. That's what we're looking for." This "confession" is actually a wise acknowledgment: Tepper recognizes past mistakes when pushing for quick results, leading to a series of disastrous failures like continuous coach firings and poor draft choices. Now, he supports his professional picks – like head coach Dave Canales, general manager Dan Morgan, and vice president Brandt Tilis – without "interfering." Instead, Tepper focuses on infrastructure (like stadium upgrades) and community efforts, transforming himself from a "demanding boss" to a "silent supporter"! The Panthers are exceeding expectations at the end of the season, with solid gameplay and higher team spirit than ever. Optimism is spreading without the "must-win now" pressure – something that once caused the team to "break apart" under old Tepper. Fans, after years of "disappointment," now appreciate Tepper's enthusiasm and improved role as a true asset. Many fans on social media comment: "Finally, Tepper knows to 'let go' – and the Panthers are soaring because of it!" Some even predict that if this approach is maintained, the Panthers could become the "big boss" of the NFC South for many years to come. But is this "admission" a sign that Tepper is about to sell the team? Or just a "ploy" to appease fans? The Panthers ownership scandal is "hotter than ever" – and Tepper's words could change the team's history! What do you think, is Tepper really "incompetent" or is he "playing fair"? Comment now and follow for the next NFL "drama"!