Carolina Panthers Eye RB3 Spot with Intense Competition

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the 2026 season with a fierce competition for the RB3 spot, following Rico Dowdle's exit in free agency.

What happened to the Panthers' backfield?

The team's leading rusher from 2025, Rico Dowdle, left in free agency, paving the way for Jonathon Brooks and Chuba Hubbard to take the top spots.

The Panthers have a battle for RB3, headlined by Trevor Etienne and veteran AJ Dillon, along with second-year back Anthony Tyus and rookie Miles Davis.

Why Panthers' RB3 competition matters

The Panthers produced the 19th-best rushing attack in 2025, and the rushing attack is the engine of the Panthers' offense.

The team's offense relies heavily on the rushing game, with Hubbard and Brooks expected to deploy regularly.

What's at stake for the Panthers?

If Brooks and/or Hubbard falter or get hurt, the Panthers will need someone to step up and maximize their rushing attack.

Etienne is considered the favorite for the RB3 job but needs to show improvement and capability to step into Brooks' or Hubbard's place.

The Panthers are currently standing 15th in the National Football Conference with a 4-13 record, on a W2 streak, and their next game is against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2026.

The RB3 competition is crucial for the team's success, and the outcome will be closely watched as the season progresses.

And with the team's rushing attack being the key to their offense, the RB3 spot will play a significant role in their performance.

But the Panthers' concerns about Brooks' injury and Hubbard's inconsistency make the RB3 competition even more important.

So the team will be looking for a reliable backup to step up and contribute to their rushing game.

The Panthers' rushing attack was led by Dowdle, who had two performances with over 200 yards from scrimmage, and the team will need someone to fill that void.

The RB3 competition will be a key storyline to watch as the Panthers prepare for the 2026 season.