Chuba Hubbard
Running Back #30
Chuba Hubbard News
Chuba Hubbard Emerging as One of the Biggest Steals in Fantasy Football
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has drastically exceeded expectations this season. The 27-year-old has 306 rushing yards, 10 catches, 84 receiving yards, and five touchdowns through four games in 2026, establishing himself as a steal relative to his price tag in 2026 fantasy drafts. He ranks as the overall RB6 so far in terms of half-PPR points per game. Hubbard has faced minimal competition for touches all season long, and his role became even more clearly defined in Week 3 when Jonathon Brooks (core) was placed on injured reserve. Volume-wise, over his last two games, Hubbard stole the show with an 84% overall snap share and 44 total touches. There is no reason to leave Hubbard on the bench in fantasy football as long as he continues to produce at a decent level. He'll rank as a fringe top-10 fantasy running back rest-of-season, starting with a Week 6 matchup against the struggling Philadelphia Eagles.
Oct 15, 2026 6:43 AM EST
AJ Dillon Remains Handcuff to Chuba Hubbard in Week 4
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon had four carries for 16 yards and one catch for negative two yards in the 21-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns. With running back Jonathon Brooks (core) on injured reserve, Dillon is filling in as Chuba Hubbard's backup. The former Packers back played just 16% of snaps in Week 3, while Hubbard played 84%. They face a Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the 13th fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. However, rain is expected, and head coach Dave Canales said the run game will be integral to Sunday night's outcome. While he's strictly a handcuff to Hubbard, Dillon is a name to monitor in Week 4.
Oct 3, 2026 8:45 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard a Must-Start in Week 4
The table is set for Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard to have a big Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. Hubbard has had a steady start to his 2026 campaign after a thigh/hamstring strain in the preseason, but he broke out in Week 3 with 19 carries for 93 yards and a receiving touchdown. The Lions are allowing 117.3 rushing yards per game and have allowed the most explosive plays through Week 3 (8.8%). Plus, his versatile offensive playing abilities give Bryce Young another target against a Detroit defense that is allowing the most passing yards in the NFL this season. Hubbard is a lock to start in Week 4 across fantasy formats.
Oct 2, 2026 12:32 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard the Clear Workhorse in Carolina
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard appears to be the team's workhorse, with Jonathon Brooks (core) on injured reserve. In three games this season, Hubbard has logged 41 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown, plus nine receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Although he didn't score in Week 3's loss to the Cleveland Browns, he was the clear RB1, playing 84% of the snaps, 82% of the backfield opportunities, and most of the pass-catching work. With Brooks out 6-8 weeks, we should continue to see this elite usage for Hubbard through most of the fantasy season. As he faces the Detroit Lions in Week 4, Hubbard factors in as an RB2 with upside if he can find the end zone.
Sep 30, 2026 5:48 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard Poised for Another RB2 Outing in Week 3
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard should be an RB2 with upside for more in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. Hubbard will have the backfield to himself with Jonathon Brooks (core) heading to IR. Hubbard has only received 22 carries to begin the year, but that figures to creep up without Brooks in the lineup. Most importantly, Hubbard has been efficient as a receiver. He has caught all five of his targets for 49 yards and two touchdowns to begin the season. While we cannot expect Hubbard to score an average of one receiving touchdown per game, he should have plenty of scoring opportunities as a rusher this week against a Browns defense allowing 131.5 rushing yards per game through two weeks. As a whole, the Panthers' offense should be able to move the ball this weekend, and Hubbard will certainly benefit. Fire him up as an RB2 this week with the potential for a top 12 finish.
Sep 25, 2026 2:37 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard Gets the Backfield All to Himself
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was already atop the depth chart, but he could evolve into an every-down back now that one of his teammates is injured. Jonathan Brooks (core) was placed on injured reserve, which means he'll miss at least four games. The latest reporting, however, indicates that his injury will likely keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks. That leaves Hubbard in line to operate as the primary running back with minimal competition through mid-November. Hubbard has been impressive so far this season, scoring three touchdowns and contributing at least 14.4 PPR points in each of his two games. He ranks as the overall RB8 in PPR leagues so far, and he should continue to produce as a high-end RB2 with top-12 upside going forward. He's in must-start territory for a very favorable Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who just surrendered 89 rushing yards (5.24 YPC) to Bucky Irving.
Sep 23, 2026 9:05 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard Profiles as a Steady RB2 Option in Week 2
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard had a highly productive game in his team's 59-37 Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, recording 10 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown and three catches for 38 yards and a touchdown on three targets. Hubbard likely would have seen more work on the ground, but the Panthers were chasing points for most of the game before it devolved into a blowout in the fourth quarter. Perhaps most encouragingly for fantasy managers, Hubbard played 48 snaps against the Bears, while Panthers RB2 Jonathon Brooks played just 13. In Week 2, Carolina will take on an Atlanta Falcons defense that allowed just 58 rushing yards to the Pittsburgh Steelers in its season opener. However, Atlanta will be starting its third-string quarterback, Cooper Rush. If the Panthers can get out to an early lead, Hubbard could see plenty of work in a favorable game script. All in all, Hubbard profiles as a solid RB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 2.
Sep 19, 2026 6:50 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard Set To Lead Carolina's Rushing Attack Again Vs. Atlanta
Carolina Panthers Chuba Hubbard will look to stay productive in Week 2's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. He started for the Panthers and was the team's clear RB1 in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears. Hubbard rushed for 49 yards on 10 attempts and a touchdown while catching all three of his targets for 38 yards and a score. The 27-year-old was dealing with a hamstring injury in training camp, but was cleared and showed no lingering effects of the injury in the regular-season opener. He out-touched backfield teammate Jonathon Brooks 13 to five and had 48 offensive snaps compared to Brooks 13. However, the Falcons' rushing defense limited the Steelers to just 58 rushing yards and 2.8 yards per carry. With Hubbard set to lead Carolina's rushing attack again, he will look to be productive again and comes in as RB19 in the latest RotoBaller rankings, making him a solid RB2 in Week 2.
Sep 18, 2026 5:56 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard the Undisputed Top Running Back in Carolina
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard proved that he was the primary option out of the backfield during the team's Week 1 loss against the Chicago Bears. Hubbard played 71% of the offensive snaps with 49 rushing yards, 38 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. For comparison, teammate Jonathon Brooks played just 19% of the snaps, had five touches, and averaged 3.5 yards per carry. All offseason long, there was plenty of chatter that Brooks might overtake Hubbard in the backfield. That could still happen at some point late this season or next season, but the comparison of their volume and production from Week 1 shows that the Panthers should still have confidence in Hubbard as their primary running back. He is expected to have another solid showing in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, who just surrendered 46 rushing yards and 27 receiving yards to Jaylen Warren.
Sep 16, 2026 6:41 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard Cleared, a FLEX Option in Week 1 vs. the Bears
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Week 1's matchup against the Chicago Bears. Hubbard practiced this week and was not listed on Carolina's injury report after dealing with a hamstring injury since mid-August. Backfield teammate Jonathon Brooks (groin) was also removed from the injury report as the Panthers will have both running backs available in Week 1. Hubbard rushed for 511 yards and one touchdown while catching 30 passes for 223 yards and three scores in 15 games last season. He is listed as the RB1 in Carolina's depth chart but will likely split touches with Brooks. The 27-year-old is RotoBaller's RB31 and is considered a FLEX option heading into Week 1 against a Bears defense that allowed 134.5 rushing yards per game last year. With the plus matchup, fantasy managers can start Hubbard as a FLEX in Week 1.
Sep 11, 2026 5:45 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard Listed as RB1 on Unofficial Depth Chart
On the Carolina Panthers' Week 1 unofficial 53-man depth chart, running back Chuba Hubbard is listed as the RB1 over Jonathon Brooks, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. As always, fantasy managers should not be reading too much into an unofficial depth chart before the start of the regular season. The 27-year-old Hubbard is the more experienced, longer-tenured RB on the Panthers' roster after rushing for 3,686 yards and 23 touchdowns in his five seasons in the NFL with the Panthers. The former fourth-rounder in 2021 from Oklahoma State broke out with 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns on 250 carries in 15 games in 2024, adding 43 catches for 171 yards and another score as a receiver, but Rico Dowdle took over the team's backfield last year, leaving Hubbard as a disappointment with only 511 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground in 15 regular-season games. Going into 2026, Hubbard's stock has fallen to that of an RB3/flex option, with Brooks having an opportunity to take over the backfield if he can finally stay healthy (he has already suffered two torn ACLs since being drafted in 2024). Behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Hubbard and Brooks may find running lanes hard to come by in 2026.
Sep 8, 2026 1:32 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard Still in Line for Heavy Work
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard may remain a major part of the backfield even with Jonathon Brooks healthy again. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the plan is for Hubbard and Brooks to split carries, with Hubbard potentially getting the larger share when Carolina is trying to close out games. The Panthers are excited about Brooks but intend to be careful with him after two ACL tears. Hubbard remains first on Carolina's current depth chart and has already shown he can handle a big workload, rushing for 1,195 yards in 2024. His numbers fell to 511 yards on 134 carries across 15 games last season. Brooks, meanwhile, has played only three regular-season games since entering the NFL and missed all of 2025. If ESPN's reported split holds, Hubbard should remain much more involved than fantasy managers expecting a Brooks takeover might have hoped.
Sep 2, 2026 8:14 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard Dressed for Practice
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) had his helmet on and was dressed for Tuesday's practice, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Hubbard could be limited in practice, but the fact that he is on the field at all is a good sign for his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday, Sept. 13. Hubbard has missed practice time late in training camp with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the middle of August. Combined with Jonathon Brooks' strong camp, Hubbard has fallen in the RB rankings for 2026 after a poor season in 2025 in which Rico Dowdle took over lead-back duties. The 27-year-old had his first 1,000-yard season with a career-high 10 rushing touchdowns on 250 carries in 2024, but he fell to just 511 rushing yards and one touchdown last year on 134 carries in 15 regular-season games. Head coach Dave Canales is ready to use a committee approach in the backfield between Hubbard and Brooks, and it could be a hot-hand approach from week to week. The former fourth-rounder is no better than an RB3/flex in fantasy football drafts, with Brooks (although injury-prone) possessing more explosive upside.
Sep 1, 2026 9:05 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard Expected to be Ready for Season Opener
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) is expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Chicago Bears, head coach Dave Canales told Steve Reed of The Associated Press. Hubbard has not played in a preseason game after straining his hamstring earlier this month, but he was able to return to training camp practice on Monday, signaling that he should be ready for the season opener. Canales also said on Monday that the Panthers are expected to use an RB committee with Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks to open the 2026 season. Hubbard ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, but a calf injury limited him to 511 yards and just one rushing TD last year, while Rico Dowdle took over as the team's lead back. Dowdle is now in Pittsburgh, but Brooks could be a thorn in Hubbard's side this year if he manages to stay healthy after already tearing his ACL multiple times. Hubbard said he is feeling "pretty good" with the regular season quickly approaching, but fantasy managers will have their doubts that Hubbard can become anything more than an RB3/flex in a timeshare.
Aug 24, 2026 11:11 AM EST
Panthers to Use RB Committee if Chuba Hubbard is Good to Go
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that if running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) is good to go for the start of the 2026 regular season, it will be a running back committee also involving Jonathon Brooks, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Per Steve Reed of The Associated Press, Hubbard was a full participant in Monday's training camp practice after dealing with a hamstring injury in recent weeks, so he should be ready to roll for Week 1, barring a setback. Brooks' fantasy value has skyrocketed in recent weeks with Hubbard banged up. In fact, Brooks is currently ranked as the No. 33 RB at RotoBaller, with Hubbard coming in at No. 37. A full-on timeshare between both backs will cap their upside for fantasy managers as RB3/flex options. Brooks has more momentum, but he has also played in only three NFL games since being drafted in the second round in 2024 due to multiple ACL tears in his knee. Hubbard had a career-high 1,195 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs in 2024, but he fell to 511 yards and one rushing touchdown in 15 games with the Panthers last year.
Aug 24, 2026 9:05 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard Expected to Be Ready for Week 1
Although Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) is currently battling a hamstring injury, the "expectation is that he'll be ready for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears," per Joseph Person of The Athletic. After recording back-to-back seasons with over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in 2023 and 2024, Hubbard suffered an early-season injury in 2025 and eventually ceded his starting role to former Panthers back Rico Dowdle. However, Dowdle signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers this past spring in free agency, opening the door for Hubbard to reclaim the RB1 role in Carolina. The 27-year-old was highly productive in a starting role in 2024, collecting 1,366 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 293 touches across 15 games. Hubbard could face some internal competition from Panthers back Jonathan Brooks, who is finally healthy entering 2026 after back-to-back lost seasons due to injury. Still, Hubbard profiles as the lead back in Carolina when healthy and should be viewed by redraft managers as a high-end RB3/flex option.
Aug 21, 2026 6:43 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard Considered Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury in training camp and is considered week-to-week, head coach Dave Canales told Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Rico Dowdle is out of town in 2026, which set up Hubbard to lead Carolina's backfield. However, a hamstring injury could potentially threaten the 27-year-old's availability for the start of the 2026 regular season, which means that RB2 Jonathon Brooks, who has played in just three games in the NFL since entering the league in 2024 due to two torn ACLs, will become much more interesting as a breakout candidate in 2026. After his first 1,000-yard season with the Panthers in 2024, Hubbard rushed for only 511 yards and one touchdown on 134 carries last year while losing out on work to Dowdle, who was the much more efficient and explosive back. Hubbard still has time to get ready for Week 1 in September, but his hamstring injury will certainly make him a riskier RB3/flex option in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Aug 13, 2026 7:32 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard Remains the Projected Lead Back in Carolina
There has been plenty of hype surrounding Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks so far in training camp now that he looks fully healthy, but Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer also reports that "it's Chuba Hubbard's world he's living in." With that said, Kaye also thinks Brooks has "looked sharp." He's cutting well, showing impressive hands, and I think he's gaining a rhythm out there." Brooks could be a thorn in Hubbard's side in 2026 if he stays healthy, but Rico Dowdle is gone, and the Panthers will open the regular season with Hubbard as the clear leader of their backfield. However, the 27-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2021 from Oklahoma State has work to do after a disappointing 2025 season in which he had 134 carries for 511 yards and one rushing touchdown in 15 regular-season games. It was a massive disappointment after Hubbard reached the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career in 2024. Most of Hubbard's 2026 fantasy value derives from the fact that he's Carolina's RB1, but without a ton of pass-catching upside, he's vulnerable to Brooks and should be considered a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex target going into upcoming drafts.
Jul 31, 2026 9:32 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard a Low-Upside Pick in the Middle Rounds of 2026 Drafts
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has proven fully capable of handling lead back responsibilities, but without any special elements to his profile, he has no guarantees of holding onto the role once challenged for it. In an injury-plagued 2025 season, he was overtaken on the depth chart by Rico Dowdle, and now with Dowdle out the door in free agency, he'll face competition from 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. A series of serious knee injuries have limited Brooks to only nine total carries in his professional career, but he comes into year three as healthy as he's been since the start of his final collegiate season, and he represents the much higher ceiling out of the Panthers backfield. Hubbard and Brooks are going within four running back spots of one another by current ADP, and while Hubbard will likely see the opportunity to begin the season in a starting role, his grasp on the job should be considered tentative. As RotoBaller's RB28, the sixth-year veteran has fallen to an area of drafts where fantasy managers would be better suited taking higher-upside swings, and coincidentally, one such candidate can be found in Hubbard's own running back room.
Jul 23, 2026 7:00 AM EST
Should Chuba Hubbard Be Targeted at his Current ADP?
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was one of the biggest surprises in fantasy in 2024, racking up 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns in a season that would earn him a four-year, $33 million extension with the team. Injuries and inconsistency derailed his 2025 campaign, and he finished the year as the clear backup to Rico Dowdle, handling double-digit carries only one time after Week 8. With Dowdle departing in free agency and the Panthers making no significant additions to the position, Hubbard potentially faces a training camp battle with 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. Reports out of the non-padded setting of minicamp praised Brooks for the explosiveness he's recaptured since an ACL tear ended his rookie season, but it's important to remember the injury was the second of its kind in 13 months, sandwiched around only nine professional carries. It's extremely unlikely that Brooks would step fully into Dowdle's vacated role and inherit the bulk of his 282 opportunities from a season ago. With Hubbard now also nearly ten months removed from the calf injury that landed him on injured reserve and reportedly tested his confidence upon his return, a split backfield in Carolina could lead to one of the league's more ambiguous situations and depressed ADPs for both players. Neither Hubbard nor Brooks is currently being drafted within the top 30 of the position, and with Dave Canales producing a top 16 fantasy back in each of his three seasons calling plays for Carolina and Tampa Bay, the opportunity is there for one or both to return difference-making value in 2026.
Jul 8, 2026 6:01 AM EST
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