Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Chuba Hubbard

Monday, October 28, 9:21 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is expected to hit it hard in practice this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The team plans to open his 21-day return window this week, but is hopeful that McCaffrey only needs one week of practice before returning to the field. The target date is for McCaffrey to return after the bye week to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10. Although, the 49ers could hold out McCaffrey through Week 12 if they decided to do that. The first step is getting McCaffrey back on the practice field which should happen this week.

Monday, October 28, 2:43 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard recorded his worst fantasy outing since Week 1 in the Panthers' 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos. Hubbard finished the day with 15 carries for 56 yards and two receptions for 15 yards. He did not reach the end zone. While still the featured back in Carolina, Hubbard has been trending down in recent weeks as he has recorded progressively fewer points since his Week 3 explosion against Las Vegas. Still, this is his first sub-10-point performance since the season opener. Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) completed his first whole week of practice in the ramp-up to this game, indicating his debut should be on the horizon. Hubbard should remain Carolina's primary back if Brooks doesn't suit up for Week 9's matchup against the Saints.