Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Hassan Haskins

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.

Friday, October 17, 5:57 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Hassan Haskins quickly dropped out of the Week 6 backfield rotation, playing only 31% of the snaps, while second-year back Kimani Vidal gained 138 total yards and scored a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. Haskins managed just 2.3 yards per carry on six attempts for 14 yards, even against a weak run defense, and now faces an Indianapolis Colts team that allows the 12th fewest rushing yards per game. His career average of 3.0 yards per carry offers little confidence in significant production going forward, and the team seems to prefer going with the hot hand approach in Vidal. Adding to concerns, Haskins was listed on the injury report with a chest injury and is Questionable, making his already limited role uncertain. While his familiarity with coach Jim Harbaugh and the possibility of goal-line carries provide a small chance for playing time, managers shouldn't depend on that. RotoBaller projects Haskins as RB44, and he should stay on your bench this week.