Who Should I Start? James Conner or Chuba Hubbard

Monday, September 22, 6:34 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (ankle) underwent season-ending surgery on Monday after suffering a significant right ankle injury in the third quarter of Sunday's game. Conner was carted off with his ankle immobilized, and head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed he won't return this season. With Conner sidelined, the Cardinals will turn to second-year back Trey Benson, who has been highly efficient, averaging 6.0 yards per carry (second among RBs). Gannon praised Benson before the season, noting he viewed both Conner and Benson as capable starters. Benson now projects as the lead option in Arizona's backfield, while Emari Demercado is expected to mix in behind him.

Monday, December 8, 10:29 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard opened the season as his team's RB1. However, he missed time due to injury in early October, and his role was usurped by Panthers back Rico Dowdle, who exploded with a pair of 200-plus scrimmage-yard outings. Across a four-game stretch from Week 9 to Week 12, Hubbard failed to record more than seven touches in a contest. However, in Carolina's final game before its Week 14 bye, Hubbard broke out for 124 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches against the Los Angeles Rams. Hubbard was still out-touched by Dowdle (20 touches), but he out-snapped Dowdle for the first time since Week 8. If Carolina plans to work with a more even split between their two backs coming out of the bye, Hubbard could re-emerge as a flex option for fantasy managers. In leagues where he may have been dropped, Hubbard is a must-add player heading into his Week 15 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.