Expectations for the offense will plummet without him.
The Carolina Panthers have placed running back Chuba Hubbard on injured reserve with a calf injury. This is not expected to be serious injury that either requires surgery or would otherwise affect his 2025 season.
Sources: After rushing for 1,195 yards this season, Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard is being placed on injured reserve today due to a calf and knee injury. His impressive season now has come to an end. pic.twitter.com/pTNVeUZAJa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 28, 2024
Per league source, Chuba Hubbard practiced on a limited basis Friday and was listed as questionable on the final injury report of the week.
But after practice, Hubbard complained of pain, and an MRI Friday night revealed a Grade 2 calf strain, which would have kept him out of…
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) December 28, 2024
Hubbard will finish the 2024 season with 1,195 yards rushing in 15 games. That places him fourth all-time in Panthers history. He is behind Christian McCaffrey’s 2019 season (1387 yards in 16 games), Stephen Davis’ 2003 season (1444 yards in 14 games), and Deangelo Williams’ 2008 season (1515 yards in 16 games).
The pressure will be on for Bryce Young to step up his game once again, as Hubbard was the major driver behind the Panthers offense. There is no single heir-apparent at the running back position, at least nobody proven. Duties will likely be split between third year running back Raheem Blackshear, who has 40 career carries for 136 yards and three touchdowns, and seven year veteran Mike Boone, who has 111 carries for 561 yards and four touchdowns.