Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Bucky Irving

Friday, October 17, 12:50 PM

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.

Saturday, October 18, 11:47 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) was not seen at Saturday's practice, putting him on track to miss his third straight game. Irving has been sidelined for the past two weeks with foot and shoulder injuries and is likely to miss another game this week. In his absence, the Buccaneers have leaned heavily on Rachaad White, who has played 81% of the snaps over the past two games. With the team's bye week approaching in Week 9, it would make sense for Tampa Bay to rest the young running back and ensure he's fully healthy for the second half of the season. Expect White and Sean Tucker to handle the backfield duties once again in Monday night's matchup against the Detroit Lions.