Carolina’s backfield hierarchy has shifted dramatically following Chuba Hubbard’s struggles since returning from injury. Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard enter Week 9 with their roles changing as the coaching staff evaluates the committee approach that has defined their usage. Can fantasy football managers trust either Panthers runner against Green Bay this week?
Chuba Hubbard Fantasy Outlook
Despite maintaining his starter designation throughout the season, Hubbard has been unable to recapture his 2024 form. The veteran has averaged just 2.5 yards per carry in his two games back from injury, showcasing a concerning inability to generate rushing lanes. Over those two outings, he managed 65 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries, numbers that pale in comparison to his backfield partner’s production.
The coaching staff’s initial decision to hand Hubbard back half the workload upon his return has proven problematic. While he out-snapped Dowdle 73 to 52 in the two games since his return, the efficiency gap between the runners has become impossible to ignore. Head coach Dave Canales has made it clear that performance will dictate future usage, creating uncertainty around Hubbard’s role moving forward.
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Hubbard’s pass-catching involvement has also diminished significantly since his return from injury. The back who previously provided dual-threat capability has been largely ineffective in the passing game, limiting his fantasy ceiling. This reduction in receiving work eliminates multiple pathways to production that previously made him a more reliable fantasy option.
Contract status and organizational investment suggest Hubbard will continue receiving opportunities, but his recent struggles have opened the door for a reduced role. The Panthers remain committed to their two-back system, but performance metrics increasingly favor his backfield partner. Fantasy managers should expect a lower floor and ceiling for Hubbard until he demonstrates improved efficiency.
Rico Dowdle Fantasy Outlook
Performance has spoken louder than depth chart positioning for Dowdle, who continues demonstrating superior effectiveness despite reduced opportunities. Since Hubbard’s return, Dowdle has averaged 5.3 yards per carry while posting 133 rushing yards on just 25 carries. This efficiency has created organizational momentum toward increased usage despite his backup designation.
The former Dallas Cowboys runner set a Panthers franchise record with 473 scrimmage yards during Hubbard’s two-game absence earlier this season. Dowdle came just 17 yards shy of consecutive 200-yard rushing performances, a feat accomplished by only four players in NFL history. This explosive stretch fundamentally altered how the coaching staff views the backfield hierarchy.
Head coach Dave Canales has acknowledged that the team “cannot ignore” Dowdle’s exceptional impact when given opportunities. The violence and tempo that Dowdle brings to his carries has created a stark contrast with Hubbard’s tentative running style. Against Buffalo’s previously struggling run defense, Dowdle averaged 6.8 yards per carry while Hubbard managed just 2.8 yards per attempt.
Reports suggest Week 9 will mark a significant shift toward featuring Dowdle as the primary option. The coaching staff appears ready to abandon their previous even timeshare in favor of putting more work on Dowdle’s plate. This role expansion positions Dowdle as a volume-based RB2 with goal-line upside when the Panthers reach scoring position.
Should You Start Hubbard or Dowdle This Week?
Green Bay presents one of the most challenging matchups for running backs this season. The Packers allow the third-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs and possess the NFL’s second-best rush defense. Their defensive front has surrendered just 552 rushing yards through seven games while limiting opponents to 3.7 yards per carry.
Game script concerns compound the matchup difficulties for both Panthers runners. Carolina enters as massive 13.5-point road underdogs, creating the likelihood of negative game flow that could force them away from the ground game. The Panthers will likely struggle to sustain drives against Green Bay’s defense, limiting overall offensive opportunities.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Dowdle emerges as the clear preferred option between the two runners. His expected role expansion to approximately 70% of the backfield touches provides volume-based fantasy relevance. Dowdle also projects to handle goal-line carries if Carolina can generate scoring opportunities, adding touchdown upside to his fantasy profile.
Hubbard faces an extremely low floor in this difficult matchup and cannot be confidently started in fantasy lineups. The combination of his recent inefficiency and expected reduced role makes him a risky proposition even in deeper league formats. Fantasy managers should prioritize Dowdle as a volume-based RB2 while avoiding Hubbard entirely this week.