As soon as opportunity comes, it can be taken away for both fantasy football managers and players. The trade of Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey led to Chuba Hubbard earning the starting role.
But an ankle injury has already led to concern for his availability in Week 8. We have the latest on Hubbard’s injury update against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Panthers and Falcons are two bad teams that love to run the ball. This might be an ugly game, but one with big fantasy implications for managers. We’re diving into what Hubbard could bring to the matchup.
Update (10/28): Chuba Hubbard has been ruled out for Week 8.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update
Right as everything seems to be flowing well despite dealing McCaffrey for a handful of draft picks, the Panthers suffered a setback in their backfield. Carolina rushed for a season-high total against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without the star, but Hubbard suffered an ankle injury that led to D’Onta Foreman earning more carries and yards. Hubbard finished with 63 yards and a touchdown.
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With Hubbard sitting as the RB29 in our expert PFN PPR fantasy football rankings, his fantasy managers need to know his availability moving forward. Foreman appears to be the better starter amongst the two, considering his success in 2021 with the Titans in relief of Derrick Henry. But the Panthers can sustain a two-back system where each player is a viable Flex option.
Thursday’s practice will be a good barometer for Hubbard’s true availability for Sunday. With the coaching staff just trying to get through the season, one would think they’d opt to be cautious even if Hubbard is able to go. The second-year rusher is also two years away from free agency, so it’s not as if he’d be pushing through the pain for a contract anytime soon.
MORE: RB Injury Report Week 8
The bigger concern for Hubbard would be losing touches to Foreman and backup Raheem Blackshear if either impresses enough. Though he’s been more effective this season in his limited touches, Hubbard was anything but in 2021. He needs as much good film for the next staff as he can possibly produce.
Playing against the Falcons’ defense hasn’t been as easy of a task as most expected entering the season. Atlanta has allowed 19.4 rushes, 84 yards, and 0.57 touchdowns per game to the position. That equals an average of 21.4 fantasy points per game, the 13th-best in the league.
Against an already stingy defense, an ailing Hubbard is less likely to be the breakout candidate on Sunday in a crowded backfield. Over the last three weeks against the Buccaneers, 49ers, and Bengals, the Falcons have given up no more than 78 rushing yards. The unit has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde history, though, as they’ve also been pulverized by the Saints, Seahawks, and Browns on the ground.
I think Carolina is more likely to have a similar result to the former offenses than the latter ones, since their offensive line personnel is weaker, and they don’t have the staff that has the reputation of proving they will effectively run the ball. That makes Hubbard a much less viable fantasy option since he should be the RB2 behind Foreman based on last week’s performance and consideration of his injury.
I recommend adding another back to your roster if Hubbard is in line to earn a start in Week 8.