Panthers' Dowdle: Cowboys need to 'buckle up' ahead of matchup

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle sent a warning shot to the Dallas Cowboys, his former team, after a monster performance Sunday.

Dowdle, who rushed for a career-high 206 yards in a 27-24 win over the Miami Dolphins, said he's looking forward to facing the Cowboys next week.

"They got to buckle up," Dowdle told reporters postgame, including Joe Person of The Athletic. "I think they know for sure. I'd been there five years. They didn't keep me there for five years for no reason."

The 27-year-old spent five seasons in Dallas and was the team's leading rusher in 2024 with 1,079 yards on the ground. He was then allowed to test free agency and signed with the Panthers in the offseason.

Sunday's game was Dowdle's first start of the season after Chuba Hubbard missed the contest with a calf injury.

The Cowboys enter their Week 6 meeting versus the Panthers with a defense that ranks last in total yardage allowed, 29th in points, and 23rd against the run.