This week in the NFL we saw a big step forward for one former OSU running back while another continues to see his production dip. Let’s a take a look around the league and see how former Cowboys fared in Week 8.
Ollie’s First TD
The former Doak Walker winner had the best game of his young NFL career as his Dolphins topped the Falcons 34-10. And he contributed six of those points on a 20-yard catch and run.
Like I said!!!
Ollie Gordon walks it in for his first career TD.#PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/W5MRCKtgmn https://t.co/nua6vnD8qU
— Brady Hamilton (@BradyH_216) October 26, 2025
Gordon also added 46 rushing yards on 10 carries, both career bests, as well as getting his first shot in the return game, a 25-yard kickoff return.
Another + play for Jonah. Springs the Ollie Gordon run on a crucial third down, even if he loses his balance got the job done#PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/HNOv2UDWFI
— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) October 26, 2025
We’ll see if this nice performance will lead to more opportunities for the rookie. Ollie will square off against Justice Hill and Tylan Wallace as the Dolphins host the Ravens at 7:15 p.m. Thursday.
Chuba, a Class Act
The Panthers’ handoff distribution continues to be a topic of conversation. If you remember last week, many Carolina fans and internet voices were screaming for first-year back Rico Dowdle to get the bulk of the carries, especially following his Weeks 5 and 6 performances which totaled nearly 400 rushing yards.
That continued this week as Dowdle got eight carries to Chuba’s 12. On the year, Dowdle is averaging 5.7 yards per carry to Chuba’s 3.6. The chasm on that stat is regressing to the mean, but Dowdle has been more effective with the ball in his hands, for whatever reason, and head coach Dave Canales acknowledged that after the Panthers’ 40-9 loss to Buffalo.
Dave Canales on the difference in production between Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard:
“These are definitely conversations we’re going to have” pic.twitter.com/iCTapWMkEu
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) October 27, 2025
But despite the vitriol, Chuba was the consummate pro when he was asked about potentially losing reps moving forward.
Today we asked Chuba Hubbard how he’s handling questions surrounding his playing time vs Rico Dowdle’s. Here’s what he said: pic.twitter.com/GS1k8cSbSp
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) October 27, 2025
It will be tough for either back to get going this weekend. The Panthers head to Green Bay to face the second-best rush defense in the league at noon on Sunday.
Jaylen Warren Works Hard
Warren continued to work, even if his Steelers, in strange attire, fell to Green Bay 35-25.
About that rushing D … After logging 127 rushing yards at 7.9 per carry the week prior against Cincinnati, Warren managed just 62 yards on 13 carries. That’s still 4.8 YPC against a team that allows 3.7 (fourth in the NFL).
They also ran a little feature on his training regime during the Sunday Night Football broadcast.
Jaylen Warren’s training is SOMETHING ELSE. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OOUF78wTbe
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 27, 2025
Warren and the Steelers will try to bounce back against the Colts. They host Indy at noon on Sunday.
Nick Martin “Coming along fine”
Kyle Shanahan had some positive things to say about his rookie LB and where he falls within the pecking order following the Niners loss to Houston.
Kyle Shanahan on where Nick Martin is in the pecking order in the LB room and if Dee Winters cannot play against the Giants, would Nick be in the mix:
“He is behind Curtis Robinson in that pecking order. If Dee couldn’t go versus the Giants, it would depend on how these three… pic.twitter.com/itDRVNBX2x
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) October 28, 2025
We’ll see how that develops as San Francisco makes the trip to New York to face the Giants at noon on Sunday.
Week 8 Numbers
Ollie Gordon II (Miami Dolphins): 10 carries for 46 yards, one 20-yard touchdown catch, one 25-yard kickoff return
Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers): 13 carries for 62 yards, two catches for 11 yards
Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers): 12 carries for 34 yards and one touchdown
Tylan Wallace (Baltimore Ravens): one catch for six yards
Justice Hill (Baltimore Ravens): one rush for two yards
Emmanuel Ogbah (Jacksonville Jaguars): two total tackles (one solo)
Korie Black (New York Giants): one tackle
Nick Martin (San Francsico 49ers): 10 snaps on special teams
Teven Jenkins (Cleveland Browns): five total snaps (four on special teams)
