CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) – Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard returned to the practice field Wednesday.
Hubbard was Carolina’s starter before going down with a calf injury that forced him to miss the last two games. He rushed for 54 yards per game over the first four games with two receiving touchdowns. He was limited at practice ahead of the Panthers’ trip to take on the Jets on Sunday
Despite his absence, the panthers’ running game has actually been elevated in their two-game winning streak. South Carolina product Rico Dowdle has rushed for 389 yards in the wins over Miami and Dallas, both coming at home.
Linebacker out for year
Head coach Dave Canales also confirmed that outside linebacker Pat Jones II will undergo season-ending back surgery. It’s a lower-back issue that Jones woke up with Monday morning, Canales said.
In his first year with the Panthers, Jones recorded nine total tackles and one sack across four games.