As the Carolina Panthers prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots, the spotlight has shifted to the health of their backfield.
With third-year quarterback Bryce Young still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL, Carolina’s rushing attack remains a crucial pillar of its offensive identity.
Panthers Running Back Chuba Hubbard Added to Injury Report
That foundation took a hit Thursday when running back Chuba Hubbard was added to the injury report with a calf issue and limited in practice. Hubbard had not appeared in earlier reports this week, suggesting the injury may have surfaced during Wednesday’s session or in post-practice evaluations.
The late-week designation casts doubt on Hubbard’s availability for Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium, where the Panthers were expected to lean heavily on the run to ease pressure on Young and control tempo against a disciplined Patriots defense.
On Friday, the Panthers confirmed that Hubbard is questionable for Week 4. “Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard is questionable for Sunday vs. the Patriots due to a calf injury,” wrote NFL insider Adam Schefter. “WR Xavier Legette has ruled out.”
On Saturday, Panthers insider David Newton confirmed that Hubbard is expected to play in Week 4. “Running back Chuba Hubbard and WR Tetairoa McMillan are listed as questionable for the Panthers on Sunday, but I expect both to play,” Newton wrote. “McMillan has been emphatic all week, he will be ready. No DJ Wonnum at OLB could provide DJ Johnson more opportunities.”
While Hubbard hasn’t matched his production from last season, his value to the offense is still significant. In 2024, he rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns, emerging as a dependable workhorse and one of the few consistent playmakers in an otherwise uneven Carolina attack.
His ability to grind out tough yards, extend drives, and absorb a heavy workload gave the Panthers a reliable foundation, especially during stretches when the passing game struggled to find rhythm.
This season, however, Hubbard has yet to recapture that form. He’s totaled just 168 rushing yards on 43 carries through three games, and the explosive runs that defined his breakout campaign have been noticeably absent.
However, despite the slow start on the ground, Hubbard has remained involved in the passing game, scoring two receiving touchdowns and offering a steady outlet for Young in pressure situations.
If Hubbard is somehow limited on Sunday, the Panthers would likely turn to backup Rico Dowdle to handle most of the rushing duties. Dowdle, who joined Carolina in the offseason after four years with the Dallas Cowboys, brings a physical running style and solid experience in pass protection.
Dowdle enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024 with Dallas, posting career highs across the board with 235 carries for 1,079 rushing yards and two touchdowns, proving he can handle a lead-back workload when called upon.
His familiarity with NFL defenses and ability to manage early-down responsibilities make him a logical candidate to anchor the ground game if Hubbard is not fully healthy.
