Rico Dowdle delivered the performance of his career against the Packers. Patrick McDermott / Getty Images

Behind an offensive line held together by tape and determination, Rico Dowdle delivered one of the best performances of his career — and perhaps the defining moment of Carolina’s season.

The fourth-year running back rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns, including a decisive 19-yard burst in the final seconds that set up Ryan Fitzgerald’s 49-yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Panthers (5-4) to a 16-13 upset of the Packers at Lambeau Field. It was a gritty win by a team that entered the week as a two-touchdown underdog.

Dowdle had shared carries for much of the year, but head coach Dave Canales promised to ride the hot hand — and the move paid off. Despite one costly mistake earlier in the game, Dowdle carried 25 times behind a depleted line and repeatedly kept the Panthers’ offense on schedule. His effort anchored an efficient, run-heavy game plan that eased Bryce Young’s return from injury. The young quarterback was far from sharp — completing 11 of 20 passes for 102 yards with an interception — but he did enough to complement Dowdle’s big day.

For Green Bay (5-2-1), the loss snapped a three-game win streak and raised fresh concerns about depth and durability. Tight end Tucker Kraft was carted off in the third quarter with a knee injury, and miscues on both sides of the ball cost the Packers valuable momentum.

Canales’ balanced approach and Young’s poise deliver Panthers’ win

Dave Canales tried to win this one on the strength of his running game and defense, both of which were excellent. But Young came up with several big plays on the game-winning drive, beginning with completions to Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan to pick up first downs and get the Panthers to midfield. Then on a second-and-10, Young handed off to Dowdle, who bolted for a 19-yard gain that set up the rookie Fitzgerald for the walk-off, 49-yard field goal.* — Joe Person, Panthers, beat writer.*

The Panthers coach leaned on Dowdle, and the ground game delivered

Canales wasn’t kidding when he said at the start of the week that he was considering giving Dowdle a heavier workload. Canales had tried splitting carries for two games after Chuba Hubbard returned from a two-game absence due to a calf injury. But after saying he was more worried about winning than keeping both backs happy, Canales kept calling plays for Dowdle, who finished with 130 and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Meanwhile, Hubbard played only sporadically, carrying five times for 17 yards. —* Person.*

Injuries piled up for Green Bay, with Kraft’s knee the biggest concern

No matter the result, the biggest question mark coming out of Sunday’s game was going to be the status of Packers star tight end Kraft. He suffered a right knee injury early in the third quarter when left guard Sean Rhyan accidentally stepped on Kraft’s leg just below his right knee and bent it awkwardly. Kraft needed the help of two medical staffers to leave the field, was carted off and didn’t return. Kraft entered Week 9 third among tight ends in receiving yards, tied for second in touchdown catches and first in yards after catch per reception. First-round rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden and defensive tackle Colby Wooden both suffered shoulder injuries and didn’t return, too, while left guard Aaron Banks suffered a stinger and didn’t return. —* Matt Schneidman, Packers, beat writer.*

Packers’ top-ranked run defense falters against Carolina’s ground attack

The Packers entered Week 9 ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. The Panthers were fifth in rushing yards per game and Carolina won the best-on-best matchup decisively on Sunday. Green Bay lost Wooden early and is still without defensive end Lukas Van Ness, but the Panthers ran 33 times for an efficient 163 yards (4.9 yards per carry). Dowdle himself ran 25 times for 130 yards (5.2 YPC). —* Schneidman.*

McManus’ inconsistency leaves Packers searching for answers at kicker

Brandon McManus missed just two field goals in 23 attempts over 12 games with the Packers last season. He has now missed five this season in 16 attempts over just six games, one of which was blocked. Since returning from a right quad injury last week against the Steelers, McManus has missed three field goals alone, including a 43-yarder wide left on Sunday against the Panthers. The Packers still have kicker Lucas Havrisik on the active roster and have made him inactive the last two games. Havrisik went 4-for-4 on field goals in his two games filling in for McManus. — Schneidman.

Nov 2, 2025

Connections: Sports Edition

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms

Find the hidden link between sports terms