Dowdle cashed a $1 million incentive following a four-yard rushing play during the third quarter of Carolina’s 16-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., as he surpassed 1,350 scrimmage yards on the season.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan catches a deep pass from quarterback Bryce Young during action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. on Saturday, January 3, 2026. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 16-14. JEFF SINER [email protected]

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle made $1 million for achieving 1,350 scrimmage yards in the 2025 NFL season.

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Saturday's Panthers-Buccaneers game included a bizarre sequence in which a backward pass hit the ground, was picked up by Carolina running back Rico Dowdle, and was blown dead.