Who Should I Start? Chuba Hubbard or Jaylen Warren

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.

Tuesday, November 18, 1:17 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that running back Jaylen Warren (ankle) will be limited in the early portions of practice this week, but is "optimistic" about his chances to suit up in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Warren left early from the Steelers' 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but he said after the game that he could have returned. The 27-year-old was off to a good start in the game with a 35-yard chunk gain on the opening drive, and ended with 10 carries for 62 yards while adding two receptions (two targets) for five yards. Kenneth Gainwell was heavily involved even before Warren's injury, and he finished with a big day in the blowout victory, totaling nine carries for 24 yards to go with seven receptions (eight targets) for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Warren's status will be monitored throughout the week, and if he is unable to play, Gainwell would be a must-start in Week 12 against the Bears.