The Carolina Panthers’ backfield picture has been uncertain in recent weeks, with Chuba Hubbard’s unexpected absence raising concern among fans and coaches alike. What started as a minor calf issue before the New England Patriots game has now stretched into multiple missed games, leaving Week 7 as the next potential return point.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update
Hubbard’s calf strain emerged during Thursday’s practice leading up to͏ the Panthers’ Week 4 matchup against the Patriots. Despite the setback, the running back suited up and played through discomfort.
However, the decision came at a cost. Head coach Dave Canales later admitted that Hubbard’s condition worsened rather than improved following the game, stating, “The calf needs more treatment. The calf needs more time.”
Canales also explained that while Hubbard managed to perform at a high level, the postgame evaluation revealed concerning signs. “He was still able to play and play to a high level, ran the ball hard all the way through it. Coming out of it, we didn’t think he was in a better spot coming out of the game than he was the week before,” Canales told reporters.
That performance proved to be his last appearance since. Hubbard has missed two complete games, sidelined by what the team initially thought would be a short-term issue.
Hubbard was limited in practice on Thursday, but on Friday, October 17th, he was no longer on the injury report. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Hubbard would in fact play this week.
After missing the past two games due to a calf injury, Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard is off the injury report and will play Sunday vs. the Jets.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 17, 2025
What Happened to Hubbard?
The calf issue first appeared before the New England game, where Hubbard was limited in practice and saw his workload reduced in the Panthers’ 42-13 loss at Foxborough. His snap count dropped to 51%, a clear decline from his heavy involvement in the season’s first three weeks.
In the aftermath, Carolina took a cautious approach. Hubbard did not participate in any of the following week’s practices on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday and was officially ruled out ahead of the matchup against Miami. The team listed him among four inactive players, with Rico Dowdle starting and rookie Trevor Etienne serving as his backup. The Panthers fans can anticipate a Hubbard-Dowdle conundrum soon.
Katz noted that Hubbard has recently been seen participating in light workouts on the side fields during practice, a development that points to steady improvement in his recovery. This step marks a notable improvement from earlier stages of complete inactivity.
The Panthers were optimistic, and Week 7 always represented a realistic timeline for his return. If ͏his rehabilitation continues on ͏its͏ current trajectory, Hu͏bbard could ͏soon reclaim his starting role.
Hubbard’s Fantasy Outlook
ubbard (calf) missed just his fifth career game last week, and the hope is that he’s good to assume his lead role in a matchup that is as good as it gets.
Thus far, Hubbard is roughly two PPR points per game behind where he finished last season, but that’s more of a Panthers stat than one for their RB1. This season, he has actually produced 1.2% more than expectations, given his usage, up from his 2.6% below mark in 2021.
I don’t think we are looking at a game-changer as much as a high-floor player, but there certainly is value in that, and that’s why he remains in my top 20 for the rest of the season.
This week? RB1 numbers are very much in the conversation.