Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates with safety Jaylen McClain (18), linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and defensive end Caden Curry (92) after Downs intercepted a pass in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. / Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If Dowdle doesn’t re-sign with the Panthers, he’s positioned himself to be an attractive option on the open market. The Houston Texans can afford to get younger at running back, with Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon set to turn 30 ahead of the 2026 season. Chubb is set to become a free agent, and the Texans can cut Mixon before the last year of his deal.

The Niners are coming off a win over the Arizona Cardinals in which the offense looked full-strength with Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall back as Christian McCaffrey shone as a receiver.

The Carolina Panthers had the worst run defense in the NFL last season, and it wasn't particularly close. They yielded roughly 180 yards on the ground per game. This year, the one thing that we do know about this team is that it has improved that aspect.

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle admitted that this season is a long audition for him, especially since he's on a one-year contract.

The Panthers cannot beat the 49ers. Don’t misconstrue that: The Panthers can win on Monday. They have won six times already this season. But they cannot go toe-to-toe with the 49ers, both teams playing their best, and win. And that makes this game the ultimate litmus test for the Niners.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi as Expect Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young to go off against the 49ers on MNF.

Battling a right ankle injury, Bryce Young threw for a career-high 448 yards and three touchdowns, just his third career 300-yard passing game. In overtime, Young found tight end Tommy Tremble for a 54-yard connection to the Atlanta 15, which set up Ryan Fitzgerald’s 28-yard, game-winning field goal.

Find single game tickets to the San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers NFL Week 12 matchup on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Levi's Stadium.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi as NFL insider: Carolina Panthers deserve credit for rebuild - but how rebuilt are they?. NFL insider: Carolina Panthers deserve credit for rebuild - but how rebuilt are they?