Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Brock Bowers

Wednesday, October 15, 3:46 PM

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.

Wednesday, October 15, 7:30 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Bowers has not played since Week 4 due to a PCL injury to his knee that he initially injured in the season opener. It was reported last weekend that the second-year TE was unlikely to play in Week 7 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. With the Raiders' bye coming in Week 8, his next chance to suit up will be in Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 2. The 22-year-old looked well on his way to another beastly season after posting 103 receiving yards in Week 1. Still, he was unable to top 50 yards in the next three games, and now he's on track to miss a third straight game. Fantasy managers can only stay patient and hope he returns in Week 9 at full strength. With Bowers likely out again this weekend, Michael Mayer will be a viable TE2 streamer after catching five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown in last week's win over the Tennessee Titans.