Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Bucky Irving

Saturday, November 15, 12:48 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has become firmly entrenched in the backup role following Rico Dowdle's early-season breakout. Hubbard missed Weeks 5 and 6 due to injury, leaving Dowdle with the perfect opportunity to break out. The veteran capitalized on the opportunity, seized the lead-back role, and never looked back. As a result, Hubbard's role declined when he returned from injury, and his involvement took another step back two weeks ago. He has played fewer than 23 percent of the offensive snaps in each of his last two games, totaling just eight carries and one reception during that span. Despite signing an extension last winter, Hubbard is now a mere handcuff option behind Dowdle, a potential league-winner.

Friday, November 14, 12:38 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Friday that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will be out this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's a disappointment for Irving's fantasy managers, but the silver lining is that he was able to turn a corner this week and take part in three limited practices. The 23-year-old hasn't played since Week 4 due to a subluxation of his shoulder and a foot sprain, but if he can upgrade to a full practice at some point next week, he could be back for a Sunday Night Showdown in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams. With Irving missing another week, both Rachaad White and Sean Tucker will have elevated roles in Tampa's backfield. White is on the RB2/3 borderline, while Tucker is more of an RB3/flex in fantasy football.