Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard popped up on the injury report with a calf injury. As of this posting, he’s officially questionable to play in Week 4’s contest against the New England Patriots.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update: Panthers RB Questionable With Calf Injury
Despite the injury designation, Chuba Hubbard will probably play on Sunday . The running back participated in some capacity during each practice session, building up to the game, and it would be weird to see him practice but not play. Barring a setback, Carolina should plan on having their best running back on the field and leading the rushing attack.
If Hubbard cannot play or can’t handle his usual workout, backup Rico Dowdle could see a larger role. A longtime backup, Dowdle broke out as the leader of the Cowboys rushing attack in 2024. Appearing in 16 games, the former undrafted free agent finished the season with 1,079 yards and two touchdowns on 235 attempts. He turned this production into a one-year deal with the Panthers. So far, the running back has recorded 19 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Also on the depth chart is fifth-round rookie Trevor Etienne. Selected out of Georgia, the rookie has appeared in all three games but hasn’t made much of an impact. To date, he’s recorded just one carry for two yards in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Chuba Hubbard originally entered the league as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Starting his career behind superstar Christian McCaffrey, Hubbard earned a name for himself filling in for the injured star. His best season came in 2024 when, in relief of rookie Jonathan Brooks, the veteran recorded 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns on 250 attempts. Following this breakout campaign, Carolina signed the running back to a four-year, $33.2 million contract.
Main Photo: Cory Knowlton – Imagn Images
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