The Carolina Panthers face uncertainty in their backfield as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup against Indianapolis. Chuba Hubbard has emerged as a concerning situation after appearing on Thursday’s injury report following a clean Wednesday. For fantasy football managers counting on the Panthers’ lead back, this development raises significant questions about his availability.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update
This is not good news for fantasy managers. Obviously, we never want to see players on the injury report at all, but the worst situation is when a player receives a mid-week downgrade. That is exactly what happened with Hubbard.
The Panthers RB1 did not appear on Wednesday’s practice report at all and was fully healthy with no injury designation. His inclusion in Thursday’s report with a calf injury suggests that this issue occurred during Thursday’s practice session.
This could be nothing more than a precautionary measure. We literally saw this exact scenario play out with Christian McCaffrey two weeks ago, where he appeared on the injury report mid-week but played and was 100% effective on game day. Teams want to ensure strict compliance with the NFL’s injury reporting rules, which sometimes leads to conservative listings.
However, it also could be something more serious. At this point, without any comment from the team or the player himself, the situation remains unclear. The timing of the injury designation creates legitimate concern about what transpired during Thursday’s practice.
What we do know is that Friday’s practice will be telling for Hubbard’s status. If he ends up limited again on Friday, he’s probably okay and dealing with minor soreness that the team is managing cautiously. But if he doesn’t practice at all on Friday, that would confirm something significant happened during Thursday’s session and would likely sideline him for Week 4.
If Hubbard cannot go against Indianapolis, Rico Dowdle would serve as the lead back with Trevor Etienne mixing in, playing the role Dowdle currently occupies as the change-of-pace option. Dowdle would immediately become a viable RB2 option in this scenario, given Carolina’s commitment to establishing a ground game.
Friday Update: Hubbard’s calf injury was described as more soreness, but he did practice with a sleeve on his calf on Friday. He is questionable, but it sounds as if he is going to play.
Hubbard Fantasy Outlook
Hubbard was great last season, but, as a runner, it’s been tough to replicate that success.
Through three weeks, his yards per carry are down more than a full yard from 2021, and his next carry of 15+ yards will be his first.
The key to his value lies in the passing game. He cleared 30 yards and scored through the air in each of the first two weeks, but his three targets netted just three yards on Sunday against the Falcons, and that spelled trouble for his managers.
If you’re counting on top 20 production out of Hubbard this week, that’s what you’re banking on. The Patriots are allowing exactly zero yards per carry before contact to running backs this season (second-best) and will likely crowd the line of scrimmage in an effort to make Bryce Young beat them.
I’m worried about the rushing efficiency, but 4-6 targets feel likely, and if he can turn that into at least six fantasy points, I think you’re fine starting Hubbard wherever you have him.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe