Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) was officially a limited participant in his return to practice on Wednesday, according to David Newton of ESPN. This is the first time that Hubbard has practiced since injuring his calf in Week 4. The 26-year-old missed Weeks 5 and 6 and left backfield duties to Rico Dowdle, who took full advantage of the elevated role to go for 473 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 60 touchdowns over that span. Dowdle's domination has allowed the Panthers to slow-play Hubbard's return, but it looks like he could make it back this Sunday against the New York Jets. Carolina has said that it will be more of an even split in the backfield between Hubbard and Dowdle when Hubbard returns, which will lower the fantasy ceilings of both RBs. Dowdle could see more work in Week 7 if Hubbard is eased back into the offense this weekend.
Oct 15, 2025 3:46 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the past two games. During his absence, Rico Dowdle has impressed, which could impact the backfield rotation moving forward. Earlier in the season, Hubbard held a near two-to-one edge in snaps over Dowdle, but that split may narrow as the coaching staff rewards Dowdle's recent success. While Hubbard's return will cut into Dowdle's fantasy value, both backs could remain involved against a vulnerable Jets run defense that ranks 23rd in the league, allowing 130 rushing yards per game. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports this week to see how Carolina plans to divide touches ahead of Sunday's matchup.
Oct 15, 2025 2:50 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) has missed the team's last two games due to a calf injury. In that stretch, Panthers back Rico Dowdle has been dominant, recording 473 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Despite Dowdle's breakout, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Hubbard will "remain a focal point" in Carolina's offense. Fowler also notes that the team is "taking the approach that both players will get their touches regardless of who gets the first snap." Fantasy managers may have to take the approach that both Panthers running backs will see a relatively equal workload once Hubbard returns to the field. If Hubbard remains out in Week 7, Dowdle profiles as a clear must-start running back in a favorable matchup against the New York Jets.
Oct 15, 2025 11:54 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) has missed the last two games, and in his stead, Rico Dowdle has run for 389 yards and added 84 receiving yards and two touchdowns. When asked if Dowdle has earned the right to continue his role as the starting running back, head coach Dave Canales was non-committal. There's an adage around the NFL that players don't lose jobs to injury, but when their replacement is responsible for over half the team's total yardage over a surprising two-game winning streak, Canales' "We'll see" makes a lot of sense. With Dowdle averaging 7.3 yards per carry over the past two games, while seeing 60 total opportunities, he remains a must-start until proven otherwise.
Oct 13, 2025 2:33 PM EST
The Carolina Panthers have ruled out running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) for their Week 6 contest this Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. It will be the second straight game that Hubbard is inactive due to a calf injury that he suffered in Week 4. Rico Dowdle burst onto the scene as Hubbard's replacement in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins and was dominant with the ball in his hands, rushing for over 200 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a repeat, but the increased volume as the clear-cut RB1 in the backfield for a second straight week pretty much makes Dowdle a must-start RB2 in fantasy lineups for the second straight week in a revenge game against his former team. Hubbard's next chance to return to action will be in Week 7 against the New York Jets.
Oct 10, 2025 1:00 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) was tagged with yet another DNP for the team's final practice ahead of their Week 6 home meeting with the Dallas Cowboys. Hubbard hasn't practiced since Carolina's loss to New England in Week 4, due to a calf injury he sustained in the week leading up to the game. While it has yet to be confirmed, the Oklahoma State product is all but set to miss another contest, with backfield mate Rico Dowdle operating in his stead. Dowdle, who broke out for 234 total yards and a touchdown as the solo act last weekend, will get a smash spot in a revenge matchup against his former team. The Panthers noted that Hubbard wasn't a candidate for IR, but it's unclear precisely when he'll return to in-game action. Dowdle will be a solid RB2 in his absence.
Oct 10, 2025 12:15 PM EST
It's not looking great for Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) playing in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday after he wasn't seen in uniform for Thursday's practice, according to ESPN's David Newton. Hubbard did not play in the Week 5 contest versus the Miami Dolphins and also did not practice on Wednesday, so he's certainly trending toward missing a second straight game this weekend. If the 26-year-old is not able to practice at all on Friday, he'll almost certainly be ruled out on the final injury report of the week. With Hubbard out of action last Sunday, Rico Dowdle stepped into the lead role in Carolina and dominated Miami, going for 23 carries for 206 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 28 yards. If Hubbard misses a second straight game, Dowdle will be a must-start in all fantasy lineups against his former team, the Cowboys.
Oct 9, 2025 3:14 PM EST
Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik alluded to more of a platoon at running back after Rico Dowdle's 200-yard explosion in Week 5 against Miami, according to David Newton of ESPN. The OC said Dowdle having so much success is a "good problem to have" when Hubbard (calf) returns from injury. Hubbard, who didn't practice Wednesday, had been the clear top option for the Panthers, playing in 50-plus percent of the team's offensive snaps every week he appeared. But after Dowdle went for 206 rushing yards, a touchdown, and three catches for another 28 yards, the team obviously liked what it saw. Managers should prepare for the possibility that both backs will play going forward for Carolina.
Oct 9, 2025 9:55 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) did not practice on Wednesday, putting his Week 6 status in jeopardy and opening the door for Rico Dowdle to remain the featured back. Dowdle took full advantage of his opportunity last week, erupting for 234 total yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins in a breakout performance. If Hubbard remains sidelined, Dowdle should once again see a heavy workload in a revenge-game scenario versus his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. The matchup is favorable, as Dallas currently ranks 23rd in the league against the run. Fantasy managers should treat Dowdle as a strong RB2 option if he draws another start, while Hubbard's ongoing absence makes him a risky play for Week 6.
Oct 8, 2025 2:25 PM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has labeled running back Chuba Hubbard (calf), who was officially ruled out for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, as "day-to-day" for next week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Canales said the team will take a look at Hubbard again next week, as far as his availability goes for Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. Hubbard was battling his calf injury in the Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots last Sunday, which is why he played a season-low 51 percent of the offensive snaps in that one. With Hubbard officially sidelined this weekend in a winnable matchup against the Dolphins, Rico Dowdle will be a plug-and-play RB2 for fantasy managers in need at the position. Additionally, rookie Trevor Etienne will see a role increase as the change-of-pace option behind Dowdle, although he won't be a recommended flex play.
Oct 3, 2025 1:18 PM EST
The Carolina Panthers have officially ruled out running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) for the Week 5 game this Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins, according to David Newton of ESPN.com. Hubbard was trending this way after not practicing all week, and now it's official that he won't be active. Fantasy managers can now send Hubbard to their benches for the weekend and swap him with a healthy RB. It remains to be seen if he will make enough progress to play in Week 6's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. For at least one week, Rico Dowdle will take over lead-back duties in Carolina, with rookie Trevor Etienne also seeing an expanded role as a change-of-pace back behind Dowdle. With a notable increase in volume on Sunday in a good matchup against the one-win Dolphins, Dowdle will have RB2 upside.
Oct 3, 2025 12:50 PM EST
According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, Carolina Panthers running back Chubba Hubbard (calf) will miss Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins, according to a league source. The Panthers consider Hubbard to be week-to-week but do not plan to place him on injured reserve, the source said. The silver lining is that Hubbard's injury appears to be minor and not long-term, allowing fantasy managers to treat this situation as a bye week for Hubbard, as it seems possible he will return for Week 6. Rico Dowdle becomes an immediate must-add in 12-team formats and becomes a low-end RB2 in Week 5; meanwhile, Trevor Etienne will be in line for additional touches. Hubbard has been okay this season, averaging 4.09 YPC and 217 rushing yards to go along with 13 receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns.
Oct 3, 2025 9:17 AM EST
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is not expected to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Rapoport noted that Hubbard has not practiced this week and is unlikely to turn the corner in time. As a result, the team's No. 2 running back Rico Dowdle is slated to serve in the lead role. Hubbard was dealing with this calf injury before last week's contest, but was unable to suit up. However, in this game, the running back was given his smallest workload of the season as he took just 10 carries for a modest 49 yards and was only targeted three times through the air. Dowdle was the lead back in Dallas last season and posted his first 1,000-yard campaign. Given his projected volume, he carries RB2 upside facing the Dolphins, who have allowed the 10th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.
Oct 3, 2025 8:05 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup very much in question. Hubbard has been a bright spot for the Panthers' offense, totaling 217 rushing yards on 53 carries while adding reliability as their lead back. If he is unable to go, Carolina is expected to turn to Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne to share the workload. Dowdle has handled the bulk of the backup duties with 28 carries on the season, but Etienne has been more explosive, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. When Hubbard exited last week, the pair split touches nearly evenly, with Dowdle seeing nine carries to Etienne's seven. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's status closely, but both Dowdle and Etienne could emerge as deep-league or desperation flex options depending on how Carolina divides the touches in Week 5.
Oct 2, 2025 2:35 PM EST
According to Steve Reed of The Associated Press, Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is viewed as day-to-day. However, Reed noted that Hubbard still needs more time to recover from this injury. The top running back was sidestepping during Wendedya's initial practice session. While he was able to play out the past weekend during their loss to the Patriots, Hubbard's workload was limited due to this injury. In this contest, the 26-year-old logged just 10 attempts for 49 yards and caught all three of his targets for 20 yards. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status during practice this week, as he could be in danger of missing their contest against the Dolphins if he faces a setback. If he were to miss time, Rico Dowdle would take the lead role.
Oct 1, 2025 4:11 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Hubbard has had a strong start to the season, totaling 53 carries for 217 yards and adding 13 receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His absence could create an opportunity for Rico Dowdle to see increased touches, making him a handcuff to target in fantasy leagues, especially in deeper formats. The matchup is favorable for the Panthers' ground game, as Miami ranks 30th in rushing defense, allowing 158 yards per game. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's practice status late in the week, as Dowdle's potential for an expanded role makes him a valuable speculative option if Hubbard is forced to miss the game.
Oct 1, 2025 2:56 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction entering this weekend. Hubbard will remain the primary running back in Carolina, looking to build on his solid ranking as the overall RB12 so far. He should continue to rank as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside, but we wouldn't be surprised if Rico Dowdle carves out a role after handling 11 touches last weekend.
Sep 28, 2025 11:41 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is expected to play Sunday against the New England Patriots, per David Newton of ESPN. Carolina's top back is officially listed as questionable, but it looks as if he'll be able to suit up come game time. Hubbard has been a solid fantasy performer despite playing on a struggling offense, ranking as the No. 12 overall running back in PPR formats. He's a solid RB2/Flex play against a so-so Patriots defense this week.
Sep 27, 2025 1:48 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is listed as questionable to play on Sunday in the Week 4 game against the New England Patriots due to a calf injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Hubbard didn't pop up on this week's injury report until Thursday and was listed as a limited participant. He was limited again on Friday and was seen with a sleeve on his leg. The 26-year-old is probably on the right side of questionable for this weekend, but fantasy managers are going to need to check on Sunday morning to see if he's active for Carolina. Even if Hubbard plays, he could be susceptible to losing valuable backfield touches to backup Rico Dowdle against a Patriots defense that has been strong against the run through three games. If Hubbard is ruled out entirely, it will bump Dowdle up to flex territory in fantasy for those in need at the RB position.
Sep 26, 2025 12:59 PM EST
The Charlotte Observer's Alex Zietlow reports that Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) is warming up for Friday's practice, fitted with a compression sleeve on his leg. Hubbard was a surprise addition on Thursday's practice report after picking up a calf injury, but it's a positive sign to see him back out there the next day. While the team hasn't released its official report or injury designations for this weekend's road matchup with the New England Patriots, it appears that the Oklahoma State alum is on a trajectory to play. Whether his recent ailment will limit him remains to be seen, but it wouldn't be shocking to see backfield mate Rico Dowdle -- and potentially rookie Trevor Etienne -- see a slight bump in snap share. We'll know more about his status in a few hours.
Sep 26, 2025 12:07 PM EST
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