Hubbard practiced in a limited capacity Thursday due to a knee injury. Hubbard was listed as a non-participant on the Panthers' first Week 17 injury report Wednesday with rest, so it's unclear if his practice restrictions a day later are related to maintenance or indicative of a potential health concern suffered during Thursday's session. Friday's practice report could provide clarity on that front for a running back that's coming off his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the campaign this past Sunday against the Cardinals.
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Status
QUESTIONABLE - Knee - Not Specified Expected Return: 2024-12-29Latest Chuba Hubbard news
Team
Carolina Panthers
Birthdate
6/11/1999 (25)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'1", 210 lbs
Draft Info
2021: Rd 4; Pk (CAR)
Birthplace
Edmonton, AB, CAN
Position
RB
College
Oklahoma State
Experience
4 seasons
Career History
Carolina Panthers
2021-Present
(4 seasons)
Hubbard practiced in a limited capacity Thursday due to a knee injury. Hubbard was listed as a non-participant on the Panthers' first Week 17 injury report Wednesday with rest, so it's unclear if his practice restrictions a day later are related to maintenance or indicative of a potential health concern suffered during Thursday's session. Friday's practice report could provide clarity on that front for a running back that's coming off his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the campaign this past Sunday against the Cardinals.
Hubbard took 25 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns while chipping in four receptions for 13 yards in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over Arizona. Hubbard was the hero for Carolina in Sunday's unlikely victory when he ripped off a pair of huge runs on consecutive plays in overtime that culminated in the game-winning score. The breakout fantasy star was coming off of his worst performance since Week 1 (10-32-0 in Week 15), so Sunday's outburst was reassuring for fantasy managers still vying for a championship this season. Hubbard and the Panthers can continue playing the role of spoiler against the Buccaneers next Sunday after successfully knocking the Cardinals out of playoff contention.
Hubbard rushed the ball 10 times for 32 yards in Sunday's 30-14 loss to the Cowboys. He added four receptions on four targets for 17 yards. Hubbard led the backfield as expected with Jonathon Brooks (knee) sidelined. However, he couldn't get things going, in large part because Carolina ran only 50 offensive plays. That led to his lowest yardage output on the ground since Week 1. Positively, Hubbard did remain involved as a pass catcher, as this marked his third game with at least four catches in his last five matchups.
Hubbard has an unimpeded path to close out the 2024 campaign in a workhorse role out of the backfield for Carolina, with Jonathan Brooks (knee) having suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. Hubbard has established himself as the clear No. 1 option leading the Panthers' rushing attack this season, and he rushed 26 times for 92 yards and one touchdown versus Philadelphia, but there had been an assumption that Brooks' involvement would ramp up down the stretch. With the rookie second-round pick having re-torn his right ACL, though, Carolina's roster no longer features anyone even resembling a threat to Hubbard's dominant share of reps. Raheem Blackshear (chest) is considered day-to-day, while veteran Miles Sanders (ankle) won't be eligible to come off IR until Week 16 against Arizona, at the earliest. Head coach Dave Canales said practice-squad player Mike Boone currently is in line to handle the No. 2 role behind Hubbard at practice and potentially Week 15 versus Dallas, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.
Hubbard carried the ball 26 times for 92 yards and a touchdown and caught four of five targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles. Rookie Jonathon Brooks left the game in the first quarter with an injury to his right knee, the same one he had ACL surgery on about a year ago, while depth RB Raheem Blackshear was also knocked out of the game early with a chest injury. That left Hubbard as Carolina's only option in the backfield, and he turned the extra volume into his best performance since Week 10. The fourth-year back also crossed 1,000 rushing yards on the season, the first time in his career he's reached that plateau. If Brooks' injury proves to be serious, Hubbard is likely headed for a heavy workload again in Week 15 against the Cowboys.
Hubbard rushed the ball 12 times for 43 yards in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers. He was not targeted. Hubbard continued to lead the Carolina backfield, though he out-touched Jonathon Brooks by a margin of only 12-9. He was also held in check for most of the game, as his longest gain went for only nine yards and he had a fumble in overtime that cost the Panthers a chance at victory. Perhaps most concerning in regards to role was Hubbard's lack of involvement as a receiver, as this marked only the third time this season that he wasn't targeted. He has at least four receptions in six contests for the campaign, which has served as a significant portion of his fantasy value.
Hubbard rushed the ball 16 times for 58 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Chiefs. He recorded one reception on five targets for two yards. Hubbard was joined by Jonathon Brooks in the Carolina backfield for the first time this season, though it was hardly noticeable in the box score as he out-touched Brooks 17-2. The Chiefs' run defense has been among the best in the league throughout the campaign, so it's not particularly surprising that Hubbard struggled with his efficiency. However, he still managed a productive fantasy performance thanks to a one-yard plunge into the end zone and a subsequent two-point conversion with under two minutes remaining in the game. Brooks will likely become a bigger factor at some point late in the season, but Hubbard looks to have safe volume for the time being.
Hubbard rushed 28 times for 153 yards and a touchdown and brought in four of six targets for 16 yards in the Panthers' 20-17 overtime win over the Giants in Munich on Sunday. He also lost a fumble. Fresh off inking a four-year extension Thursday, Hubbard wasted no time earning his keep with career highs in rush attempts and rushing yards. Hubbard also recorded his sixth rushing touchdown of the season on a one-yard run late in the third quarter, and he was able to work through an injury scare without missing any time after limping off the field following a lost fumble in Carolina territory just before the midway point of the fourth quarter. Hubbard now has three 100-yard games on the season and will have a Week 11 bye to rest up before a Week 12 home showdown with the Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 24.
Hubbard agreed to a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension with the Panthers on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Hubbard is able to earn an additional $4 million in incentives, and he'll receive $15 million fully guaranteed as part of the new deal, which keeps him in the fold through the 2028 season. A 2021 fourth-round pick, Hubbard produced 1,135 yards from scrimmage over 17 games last season, emerging as Carolina's top back after free-agent signee Miles Sanders struggled and eventually lost the starting gig. Carolina then invested a second-round pick into Jonathon Brooks (knee) in the 2024 NFL Draft, but with Brooks having not yet made his debut, Hubbard has maintained his spot atop the depth chart and has continued to thrive in his fourth season, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and recording 26 receptions through Carolina's first nine contests. Brooks could be available this Sunday against the Giants, and while the Panthers are still high on the rookie's long-term outlook, Hubbard's extension likely ensures that the fourth-year back will have a prominent role for the foreseeable future.