Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Dallas Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott (dehydration) and Rico Dowdle (wrist) both popped up on the injury report on Thursday. Elliott was limited due to dehydration, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect that to be an issue heading into Week 5 on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dowdle is dealing with a wrist issue but was a full participant during Thursday's practice. That being said, Dowdle should be fine heading into their matchup against the Steelers. The two backs have been splitting the backfield, but Dowdle has been pulling away with an increase in carries lately. Despite that, Dowdle remains a low-end flex play heading into a tough matchup against the Steelers defense.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has seen his touches steadily outpace Ezekiel Elliott and Deuce Vaughn in 2024, especially over the last three weeks. Dowdle has also far and away seen the higher snap share of the trio this season. Most importantly, Dowdle has been the most effective running back for the Cowboys in 2024. He has 34 carries for 134 yards and nine receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown this season. The steady shift towards Dowdle as the main running back suggests that the Cowboys are starting to trust him and value his production thus far this season. Running back Dalvin Cook has been acclimating to the team on the practice squad and could feasibly eat into Dowdle's workload if he were to be activated. However, for now, Dowdle is a player worth rostering and monitoring on your bench should his role grow even more.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is still in the final stages of his return from an ACL injury and will not have his 21-day practice window opened this week, per Sheena Quick. It was initially anticipated that Brooks could return to the team in Week 5 for his NFL debut. However, he evidently still has "a couple of hurdles to clear." He'll now have to wait at least one more week. The Panthers may be playing it slow with their rookie second-round pick, heeding more of a cautious approach with the 21-year-old coming off a severe knee injury. Additionally, the breakout of Chuba Hubbard over the last two weeks could play a part in this, too. With Brooks still sidelined, Hubbard will continue to see the majority of backfield touches, with Miles Sanders mixing in when he needs a breather. The former will look to continue to build on his back-to-back standout performances in Week 5 when the team visits Soldier Field and the Chicago Bears. Hubbard will be an RB2 with upside, while Sanders presents as just his handcuff for the contest.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette had six receptions for 66 yards in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. He also scored a touchdown, the first of his career, finding the end zone off an eight-yard toss from Andy Dalton. The rookie was quiet in the Panthers' first three games. However, with Adam Thielen (hamstring) on the injured reserve list, Legette should benefit, giving him value as a flex option in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard finished the Week 4 loss to the Bengals by totaling 104 yards and a touchdown off 18 carries. He added four grabs for 17 yards. The 25-year-old didn't do much in the Panthers' first two games. However, with Andy Dalton now under center, Hubbard has thrived. With his added level of involvement, he's at least a flex option in Week 5 versus the Chicago Bears.