Head Coach Dave Canales Speaks Out For The First Time On Panthers Star RB’s Injury Status

Charlotte, North Carolina

After a painful Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers faced a wave of questions. But one key concern has now been answered. Star running back Rico Dowdle is not only ready to play against the Atlanta Falcons, he is, according to head coach Dave Canales, in the best shape he has been in all season.

Rumors about a quad issue had fans nervous, but Canales has officially cut through the tension with a confident update on the player who has become the centerpiece of the Panthers offense.

From the Saints loss to a strong public statement from the head coach

In the defeat to New Orleans, the Saints defense shut down the Panthers ground game and held Rico Dowdle to just 53 rushing yards on 18 carries. It was one of the few difficult outings he has had since taking over as the Panthers’ lead back in Week 5.

Still, that performance does not erase what he has done over the past month and a half:

• 4 games with at least 75 rushing yards

That is why any news about his physical condition instantly becomes a hot topic in Charlotte.

When asked directly about Dowdle’s current status, Dave Canales shut down all doubts with a very clear answer:

“Rico is fully ready. He is in the best condition I have seen from him this season. No limitations, no pitch count. We are going to play with the best version of Rico this weekend.”

Canales: “This is the version of Rico I want for the rest of the season”

Canales did not just talk about Dowdle’s health. He also praised the running back’s mindset and preparation after the loss to the Saints. Instead of letting a rough game drag him down, Dowdle reacted like a true cornerstone player.

The head coach shared more:

“He knows the game against the Saints did not reflect his true ability. Instead of complaining, Rico went into the film room, talked with the coaches and corrected the small details in his footwork and how he reads the holes. He came into this week with the look of someone who is ready to take everything back.”

That is why Canales has no interest in hearing talk about easing Dowdle in or using him cautiously:

“When a player is prepared, healthy and playing as hot as Rico is, my job becomes very simple: put the ball in his hands and let him do the rest.”

Falcons as the perfect opportunity for a breakout performance

If you had to pick an opponent for a red hot RB to explode against, the Atlanta Falcons would be high on the list.

Their run defense is struggling badly:

• Ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game at 146.4

Canales did not hide his excitement when talking about this matchup:

“We respect the Falcons, but the numbers are the numbers. If we do our job up front, Rico will have space. And when Rico has space, with the way he is right now, that is something any defense has to worry about.”

Chuba Hubbard is there, but Rico is the focal point

While Chuba Hubbard remains a reliable backup option, everything points to this game being built around Rico Dowdle as the focal point of the game plan.

There is no more talk of “if Rico is healthy enough” or “depending on how he feels on the weekend.” Canales’ words are straightforward:

• Rico is healthy

Hubbard can help share the workload and change the tempo, but if the game goes the way Carolina hopes, Dowdle is the first name people will mention when they talk about the Panthers offense.