Rico Dowdle gives update on contract discussions with Panthers

Rico Dowdle was a breakout star in the NFL last season, recording his first 1,000-yard rushing season with the Dallas Cowboys. And since he joined the Carolina Panthers this season, he has shown no signs of slowing down as he's racked up 833 yards (fifth in the NFL) and five touchdowns this season. But Dowdle only signed a one-year contract with Carolina, and his recent one-word message about his future with the franchise will have Panthers' fans everywhere raising their eyebrows with concern

On Friday, Dowdle was being interviewed when a media member asked whether discussions had begun on the Panthers signing the sixth-year NFL veteran to a new contract to keep him with the organization. Dowdle's response was relatively short – just one word, actually – and it was not reassuring to those who want him to remain in Charlotte.

"No," Dowdle answered the question succinctly.

The Panthers are 6-5 this season and are currently second in the NFC South, hoping to earn their first winning season and NFL Playoffs appearance since 2017. A large part of that has been due to Dowdle's efforts in the backfield. So there's plenty of reason to assume the Panthers will want to retain him. It also helps that Panthers head coach Dave Canales is a big fan of Dowdle's work so far.

"I just love when he runs the ball,'' Canales said. "He runs physically. When he finishes his runs, makes the DBs have to show up, make a decision on whether to put a shoulder on him or not, it gets the group going."

"And the guys get really animated when he finishes runs in a violent manner," he added.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Panthers RB Rico Dowdle gives update on recent contract discussions