Panthers running back Rico Dowdle cashes in on $1 million incentive
Despite the Panthers’ loss on Saturday, running back Rico Dowdle got to cash in.
Dowdle cashed a $1 million incentive following a four-yard rushing play during the third quarter of Carolina’s 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., as he surpassed 1,350 scrimmage yards on the season.
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Heading into Saturday’s game, Dowdle needed just seven yards to eclipse the mark required for his incentive but came out quiet to start.
Dowdle had an additional $250,000 on the line if he scored a touchdown, but he ultimately failed to do so.
When Dowdle initially penned his contract with Carolina this past offseason, the incentive did not appear to be realistic, with the 27-year-old originally to be the back up the Chuba Hubbard.
Dowdle, however, ended up starting 11 games for the Panthers this season, with Hubbard losing his starting role due to lingering effects to a calf injury he suffered back in 2024.
Going into the Week 18 matchup against Tampa Bay, Dowdle had 1,066 rushing yards on 229 carries and six rushing touchdowns, along with 277 receiving yards on 37 receptions.
Carolina, who came into Saturday’s game ranked 11th in the NFL in yards per game, saw their ground game struggle against Tampa Bay, with the Panthers racking up just 19 total rushing yards.
The Panthers’ performance in the air was not much better, with quarterback Bryce Young throwing for 266 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while completing 24-of-35 passes.
With Saturday’s loss, Carolina’s playoff chances lie in the hands of Sunday’s game between the Saints and Falcons — the Panthers need an Atlanta victory to clinch their first postseason appearance since 2017.
“I think we’ll all be on the edge of our seats,” Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters following the game. “Hoping for the Falcons to come through, but at the same time, at least we have that hope to look at.
“We have to look at ourselves and we have to make sure that in these championship moments that we play our best.”
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