The Carolina Panthers find themselves navigating one of the most intriguing backfield situations in the NFL. Chuba Hubbard remains sidelined with the calf injury that has kept him out of action, while his replacement has been nothing short of spectacular. With fantasy football managers eagerly awaiting clarity, the Panthers face a decision that could reshape their offensive approach moving forward.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update
Hubbard has sat out two complete games with the calf strain that initially surfaced during Carolina’s practice preparations for their New England Patriots contest in late September. The injury has been more persistent than originally anticipated, stretching his absence beyond the Panthers’ initial projections.
The running back managed to suit up and compete through the injury against New England, but his condition deteriorated throughout that game instead of improving. Head coach Dave Canales provided a troubling evaluation after that showing, explaining, “The calf needs more treatment. The calf needs more time”.
Canales revealed that Hubbard’s condition had worsened following the New England contest, observing that “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”.
However, positive developments have surfaced concerning his rehabilitation. Hubbard has increased his rehabilitation efforts each week, displaying consistent progress that indicates a potential comeback is near. Most significantly, he has been observed working on side fields during recent practice sessions, representing substantial advancement from his total absence during the injury’s early phases.
The most encouraging news came Wednesday when Hubbard returned to practice for the first time since sustaining the injury. ESPN’s David Newton reported that Hubbard was in uniform and participating in practice, suggesting he is likely joining his first workout since the injury occurred.
Players who did not compete the previous week rarely play without practicing on Wednesday, making Hubbard’s practice return an excellent sign for his Week 7 availability.
Although Hubbard was only limited at Wednesday’s practice, that is still a very encouraging sign. Hopefully, he can work his way to full by Friday, putting him on track to play.
Hubbard Fantasy Outlook
While Hubbard progressed toward his comeback, Rico Dowdle established perhaps the most convincing argument for a starting position change in recent NFL history. The former Dallas Cowboys running back dominated during Hubbard’s absence, delivering consecutive performances that rewrote Carolina’s record books.
Dowdle’s statistics over the previous two games are remarkable. He compiled 476 yards from scrimmage in only two contests, establishing a new Carolina Panthers franchise record for yards in a two-game stretch. His individual showings have been equally outstanding, with 234 yards from scrimmage against Miami followed by a franchise-record 239 yards against Dallas.
The statistical accomplishments keep accumulating for Dowdle. He became only the seventh player in NFL history to record consecutive games with at least 200 yards from scrimmage, entering an elite group that features Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook. No undrafted player in NFL history had previously achieved this milestone, making Dowdle’s accomplishment even more extraordinary.
When questioned directly about whether Dowdle has earned the right to stay the starter once Hubbard returns, Canales offered a revealing answer: “We’ll see”. The evasive response indicates the coaching staff is genuinely contemplating a change, despite Hubbard’s four-year, $33.2 million contract extension signed in November 2024.
How the Panthers distribute the workload between Hubbard and Dowdle represents one of fantasy football’s most intriguing storylines moving forward. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that both players are expected to receive significant playing time, suggesting an even distribution of touches. Hubbard will certainly see work when he returns, but fantasy managers shouldn’t expect him to have anywhere near the role he possessed early in the season.
The Panthers invested considerable money in Hubbard last season, with his contract including a maximum value of $37.2 million and $15 million in new fully guaranteed dollars. That financial commitment suggests Carolina won’t simply demote him to a rarely-used backup position, but Dowdle’s production makes it nearly impossible to return him to a strictly rotational role.
Fantasy managers confront a complicated situation regardless of Carolina’s approach. Dowdle cannot be benched considering his recent production, recording elite RB1 numbers that make him a must-start option. However, when Hubbard returns, the divided backfield may create unpredictability that makes both players more challenging to trust weekly.