Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman (groin) might remain out of practice on Tuesday, and Deuce Vaughn (hamstring) likely won't practice either, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters. It adds fuel to the breakout case for late-round sleeper Rico Dowdle, who "has been the face of the committee and could be the lead guy during the season. In practices, he's had solid showings in pass protection, flashed receiving ability, and gotten the call to run in high-leverage situations." Starter Ezekiel Elliott remains the best bet for touches and the favorite to lead the Cowboys in carries this year as the incumbent veteran during the early stages of the season, but the speedier Dowdle has stood out at training camp and could push him for work in Dallas' backfield this fall. Sunday's preseason opener against the hosting Los Angeles Rams should offer fantasy managers a clearer picture on the hierarchy here.

The Carolina Panthers announced on Tuesday that second-year quarterback Bryce Young will not play in the preseason opener this Thursday versus the New England Patriots. A report surfaced on Monday evening that Young may not even play in the preseason at all after a disastrous rookie year in 2023 after he was the first overall pick in draft. Veteran backup Andy Dalton (quadriceps) is also injured, so Carolina will be rolling with Jack Plummer and Jake Luton under center in their preseason opener this week. The 23-year-old Young is still an intriguing dynasty/keeper asset as he heads into Year 2, which really can't get any worse than his rookie season. The additions of receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette should help Young's cause as he looks to make improvements in 2024. Fantasy managers should consider him a low-end QB2 with upside for more.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that there's a chance that second-year quarterback Bryce Young won't play in any preseason games. There is value in having Young work with new center Austin Corbett, but the Panthers are still weighing the decision. It seems like an odd decision for a 23-year-old that struggled mightily in his first year in the NFL in 2023. But with veteran backup Andy Dalton (hamstring) already injury, perhaps the Panthers don't want to take any chances, at least this Thursday in their preseason opener versus the New England Patriots. Young should have nowhere to go but up in Year 2, especially after the team added receivers Diontae Johnson via trade and Xavier Legette via the draft. However, he's also learning a new offense, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Young to be much more than a low-end QB2 with upside in 2024.

Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette (foot) underwent an MRI on Monday after leaving practice early on Sunday, and tests revealed that he did not suffer a fractured foot. This is great news for the rookie first-rounder out of South Carolina, but he is being labeled "day-to-day" and is not expected to play in the team's preseason opener against the Patriots on Thursday. Legette was dealing with a hamstring issue earlier this offseason, so expect the organization to be cautious with him moving forward. While Legette's size-speed combination makes him an intriguing fantasy football option, Carolina could have one of the worst offenses in the NFL for the second consecutive season, and veteran wideout Diontae Johnson is expected to be the clear No. 1 wide receiver for Bryce Young.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young had a rough go of it in his rookie year while surrounded by a lackluster roster. According to Ian Rapoport the former first-overall pick appears primed to have a bounce-back year. After an off-season of addressing some weaknesses, Young will have a couple more pass-catchers to work with and a new offensive system. In fantasy terms, Young is in the later half of quarterbacks to go in re-draft leagues. This year will be an indicator of his fantasy relevance moving forward and it could vault him into a competitive are for superflex managers.