Oct 26, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

NFL fines 2 Carolina Panthers players for penalties vs. Green Bay Packers

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Tim Weaver | Last updated Nov 9, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Despite tremendous odds against them, the Carolina Panthers pulled off a stunning upset victory over the Green Bay Packers last week at Lambeau Field.

The win was the most meaningful for the franchise in seven years, making it clear they can both win ugly - and win against the best competition that the NFC has to offer.

The Panthers didn't come away totally unscathed, though. And already battered offensive line lost Chandler Zavala to an elbow injury, and star running back Rico Dowdle suffered a quad injury that initially knocked him out of practice this week, but he later returned and will be in the lineup for today's game against New Orleans.

Dowdle also got hit up by the league office for a fine thanks to his two-pump touchdown celebration. Joseph Person at The Athletic reports it's for $14,491. Rookie edge rusher Nic Scourton also drew a lesser fine for a taunting penalty.

Rico Dowdle's $14,491 fine for his two-pump celebration officially fell under the "obscene gestures" provision, per NFL's weekly gameday accountability release.

In addition to Dowdle, Panthers rookie OLB Nic Scourton fined $8,701 for taunting vs. Packers.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 8, 2025

Dowdle is putting the fine to good use, though. This week he started a Go Fund Me, donating the proceeds to charity.

The Panthers also got a surprise appearance from the man who inspired the celebration. Here's a look at Keegan Michael Key speaking to Dowdle and the rest of the team.

Rico was pretty pumped to see him pic.twitter.com/azDvoWgvEr
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 8, 2025

Dowdle has quickly become one of the most popular players on the Panthers' roster, having exploded last month into one of the league's most-productive running backs.

In three starts Dowdle has averaged 173 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns, adding 95 total yards and another touchdown as a receiver.

Looking ahead, the Panthers are in a bit of an awkward spot at this position. They just gave Chuba Hubbard a lucrative four-year deal last season, but Dowdle has been vastly more efficient and dynamic this season - and it would be wildly stupid to allow Dowdle to test free agency without making a significant offer before March comes around.

Hopefully the Panthers have learned their lesson that they can't keep allowing their best players to leave and they find a way to keep Dowdle in the fold, because he's made them competitive and relevant again in a way they haven't been in a long, long time.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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