Rico Dowdle earned the starting job while Chuba Hubbard was injured, with 472 yards from scrimmage in the two games Hubbard missed. Yet, the Panthers returned Hubbard to the starting lineup on Sunday.

Hubbard had 12 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown, while Dowdle ran eight times for 54 yards in the loss to the Bills.

The Panthers now can’t ignore the numbers, with coach Dave Canales acknowledging the obvious on Monday. Dowdle has the hot hand.

Hubbard understands and is ready for whatever his role is.

“I mean, whatever, whether it’s 70/30, 50/50, 100 my way or Rico’s way, whatever it is, my focus is winning ,” Hubbard said, via Kassidy Hill of the team website. “My main focus is never solely about me. It’s always about the team and winning games.”

While his role might chang

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