CHARLOTTE — Panthers running back Rico Dowdle limped off the field at one point last week, but he wasn't going to stay on the sidelines long.

Likewise, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said the NFC's leading rusher missing Wednesday's practice was more about pragmatism with an eye toward Sunday than concern about his availability.

Dowdle did not participate in Wednesday's practice with a quadriceps injury.

"We're counting on him this weekend," Canales said. "And so wanted to make sure that we get him on the right track so he can get out there tomorrow, get some practice reps, and all that. But, as he continues to emerge as an important part of what we're doing, we've got to make sure that we get him to game day he's ready to go, and that'd be the plan."

Canales said that giving him

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