It's no coincidence that the Carolina Panthers' surge into one of the league's surprise packages this season coincided with Rico Dowdle's increased involvement. The veteran running back has been on a tear this season, displaying the purposeful aggression and explosive tendencies those in power envisaged when they signed him to a bargain-basement deal in free agency.
Dowdle led the charge to the tune of 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers. The former South Carolina standout was leaned on heavily, and he delivered the goods once again. Unfortunately, the punishment has begun to take its toll, and the Panthers are taking things extremely cautiously with the backfield presence this week.
There was anxiety among the fan base when the Panthers held Dowdle out of practice to begin preparations for the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. He was listed as a non-participant with a quadriceps injury, although he did some work on the bike while his teammates went through drills.
Carolina Panthers are managing Rico Dowdle's practice reps carefully before Week 10
This followed on from Dowdle missing some snaps at Lambeau Field. He toughed it out down the stretch to ensure Carolina got over the line, but it's clear something is amiss. And unless it's correctly kept in check, the repercussions will be severe.
Fans were eagerly awaiting further developments on Thursday. And thankfully, the update around Dowdle was positive.
One of the league's leading rushers was spotted on the practice field with his teammates. Dowdle was a limited participant, but it's a step in a positive direction nonetheless.
The Panthers are clearly managing his reps in practice to ensure he is ready to go at Bank of America Stadium this weekend. New Orleans is giving up 129.4 yards per game on the ground, so this looks like a fantastic opportunity for Dowdle to have yet another profitable afternoon. He won't want a nagging quad issue jeopardizing that.
Carolina will take things slowly with Dowdle again on Friday, one suspects. He might even carry an injury designation into the clash, but it would take a brave man to tell him that he won't be suiting up.
Fans should be relieved by this development. Dowdle is being managed carefully, but all signs point to him retaining his place as the backfield focal point as Carolina builds its identity around the free-agent signing.
And if Dowdle's reps are managed on the day, the Panthers have a more than capable understudy in Chuba Hubbard to pick up the slack.