Chuba Hubbard saw little involvement in the running game in Carolina's 16-13 surprise win over the Packers in Week 9. The Panthers' RB logged just 17 yards on five carries while registering 1.7 PPR fantasy points, his lowest in a single game this season. Earlier in the week, head coach Dave Canales said that Rico Dowdle would be the team's starting running back and handle the majority of touches. Sunday's game proved that to be the case, as Hubbard only played on 16.7% of snaps while Dowdle went on to have his third game this year with over 28 PPR points. Fantasy players should bench Hubbard until further notice as a handcuff to Dowdle, but also pay attention to any rumors about him being moved at the trade deadline this week. Another team may resurrect Hubbard's fantasy appeal, so fantasy players should be patient and not cut him yet.
Nov 3, 2025 12:42 PM EST
Chuba Hubbard may not be worth consideration for fantasy lineups in Week 9 against the Packers, unless you are in a desperate situation. Since returning in Week 7 from a calf injury, Hubbard has totaled just 65 rushing yards and 8.5 PPR fantasy points. During that span, the running game workload was split between Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, and Hubbard took the most snaps (57%). Dowdle was the more efficient runner, though, outrushing Hubbard 133 to 65 yards. Earlier in the week, head coach Dave Canales said that Dowdle would be the team's starting RB in Week 9 and get the bulk of carries. Although Hubbard will contribute to the running game, his reduction in touches severely lowers his fantasy outlook, especially against a Packers run defense that allowed 13.9 points to RBs in the last two weeks, which was fifth-best in the league during that period. For now, Hubbard should be left on the bench for Week 9 against Green Bay. Be sure to monitor any trade rumors involving him heading up to the trade deadline. A move to another team could instantly revive his fantasy appeal, so don't cut Hubbard yet.
Nov 1, 2025 12:37 AM EST
Carolona Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is not expected to be moved at the trade deadline, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. Despite some speculation regarding Hubbard's role after head coach Dave Canales indicated that they will ride the hot hand with Rico Dowdle moving forward, the 26-year-old is expected to remain with the team through the trade deadline. It's been a disappointing season for Hubbard after a career year last season, when he rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns on 250 carries. He's been unable to replicate that sort of efficiency in 2025, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry on 79 carries in the six games he's started. With Dowdle expected to take the bulk of the work now, Hubbard is likely best left on the bench for their Week 9 matchup against the Packers.
Oct 29, 2025 9:09 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard delivered another underwhelming fantasy performance in Week 8. The fifth-year running back rushed for 34 yards on 12 carries, although he did slightly pad his mediocre totals with a garbage-time TD in the fourth quarter. Hubbard finished with 9.4 fantasy points and had 12 carries to Rico Dowdle's eight. He averaged just 2.8 yards per carry, though, while Dowdle was at 6.8 per attempt. Hubbard remains an inefficient runner this season, as it was his third consecutive game with less than 50 rushing yards and his fourth straight with less than 10 fantasy points. The outlook for Hubbard is not likely to improve much in Week 9's matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers have reeled off three straight wins and scored 27-plus points in their last four games. He's not much of a factor in the passing game if the Panthers must work from behind again. Hubbard will be a somewhat shaky flex option for Week 9.
Oct 27, 2025 8:47 AM EST
Chuba Hubbard is worth lineup consideration against the Bills in Week 8. Buffalo's run defense surrendered 46.6 fantasy points against running backs in the last two weeks. The Bills allowed the most fantasy points per game to running backs of all NFL teams across that period. Hubbard will be part of a running back timeshare alongside Rico Dowdle, as head coach Dave Canales mentioned earlier in the week. The former fourth-round pick's snap count exceeded Dowdle's all season, including last week's game, where he played on 54% of snaps. Even though Hubbard played on more snaps, on the ground, Dowdle was the better runner with 79 rushing yards over Hubbard's 31 yards. As long as the game remains competitive, Hubbard will contribute to the running game in this matchup. Considering that six teams are on bye for Week 8, Hubbard is a low-end RB2 or Flex start.
Oct 24, 2025 9:03 PM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Monday that he anticipates a continued workload split between his two running backs, Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. In the two games that Hubbard missed with an injured calf, Dowdle saw a total of 61 opportunities, which he converted into an unreal 470 yards and two scores. In Hubbard's first game back, the two saw a nearly 50/50 workload split, with Hubbard on the field for five more snaps than Dowdle, but Dowdle seeing 18 opportunities to Hubbard's 16. Dowdle was also the more efficient back on the day, averaging 5.3 yards per touch to Hubbard's 3.4, and managing a usable fantasy performance with his 96 yards. For fantasy managers who had feasted on his last two games, it was surely a disappointment, but in the right matchup, both backs should provide enough of a floor to help navigate bye weeks and injuries from the flex spot, especially as Hubbard continues to knock off the rust.
Oct 20, 2025 2:33 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle will trade series early in Sunday's Week 7 contest against the New York Jets, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. By alternating drives, the two running backs will have an opportunity to maintain fresh legs, while the coaching staff gets a chance to decide which running back to lean on later in the game. Both running backs may play quite well to start the game and then continue to contribute in a committee for the rest of the contest. However, by alternating series, Hubbard and Dowdle will each at least have a chance to establish themselves as the primary option out of this backfield. Hubbard and Dowdle both rank as solid RB3 options this week, and they could both have standalone value in an offense that has become increasingly run-heavy. Hubbard has appeal since he was the Panthers' starter before his calf injury and is first on the depth chart, while Dowdle has appeal because he exploded for 473 yards and two touchdowns in the two weeks that Hubbard missed.
Oct 19, 2025 10:58 AM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) will return to the field for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the New York Jets. Hubbard is expected to be back in the mix after missing each of the last two games. During that time, Rico Dowdle went off for over 400 scrimmage yards with two touchdowns. Now, it's unclear if Hubbard will return to his job as the lead back in Carolina. The expectation is that the two of them will have a closer split in the backfield. It wouldn't be shocking for each back to get around 10 carries this weekend. That being said, Hubbard is probably only worth a look as a flex option for Week 7.
Oct 18, 2025 6:19 PM EST
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Friday that running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) will play on Sunday against the New York Jets in Week 7, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Hubbard will be making his return following a two-game absence due to a calf injury. While the 26-year-old was out, Rico Dowdle dominated to the tune of over 400 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 60 total touches. Before Hubbard's injury, he was the clear leader of Carolina's backfield. But given how well Dowdle played the last two weeks, things are probably going to shake out differently moving forward in terms of a backfield plan for the Panthers. The coaching staff hasn't given many hints about how the usage will be split between the two backs against the Jets this weekend. The most likely scenario is that Dowdle will take on a bigger role, with the backfield potentially split in half.
Oct 17, 2025 12:50 PM EST
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf), who has missed the last two games due to a calf injury, said on Wednesday that he expects to play on Sunday when the team travels to New York to take on the Jets, according to David Newton of ESPN. Hubard was limited in Wednesday's practice but was in full pads on Thursday. The 26-year-old was the Panthers' clear RB1 before his calf injury, but during his two-game absence, Rico Dowdle exploded on the scene to go for 400-plus scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 60 touches for Carolina. Dowdle has surely earned a bigger piece of the backfield pie, even with Hubbard potentially returning in Week 7, but the coaching staff would not commit to Dowdle starting this weekend. If Hubbard indeed returns against the Jets, the Panthers could look to split the backfield evenly, making it tougher for both RBs to hit their true ceilings.
Oct 16, 2025 2:37 PM EST
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
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