Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard’s status for this week remains uncertain after missing Week 5 due to a lingering issue that has fantasy football managers anxiously checking their waiver wires. The injury, which first surfaced in Week 4, proved troublesome enough to sideline him for their matchup against Miami.
The timing couldn’t be more frustrating for fantasy managers who invested in Hubbard as their RB1 or flex option. With analysts still projecting RB1 upside for Hubbard’s return, the big question remains whether this nagging ailment will force him to miss additional time or if he’ll be ready to reclaim his workhorse role this weekend.
Chuba Hubbard Injury Update
A calf injury kept Carolina Panthers back Chuba Hubbard on the sidelines in Week 5, allowing backup Rico Dowdle to erupt for over 200 rushing yards against the Miami Dolphins.
Hubbard had been working through the calf injury in Week 4 before ultimately getting a week off to heal. Calf injuries are notoriously fickle, so the Panthers could justifiably give Hubbard another week to heal, especially after Dowdle’s impressive performance last week.
So far this season, Hubbard has tallied 217 yards on 53 carries. While he hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown yet this season, he has also been effective as a pass catcher, snagging 13 passes for 94 yards and two scores.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Dan Fornek
Hubbard Fantasy Outlook
Hubbard (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.
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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’s actually produced 1.2% over expectations given his usage, up from his 2.6% below mark from 2024.
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.
— PFSN Fantasy Football Analyst Kyle Soppe