Set to share backfield in 2026
Hubbard appears likely to operate in a committee with third-year pro Jonathon Brooks in the Panthers' backfield this season, Ben Cooper of Roundtable Sports reports.
Hubbard slotted in behind Rico Dowdle at running back with Carolina in 2025, notching just 511 rushing yards and one touchdown, the latter of which was a career low, over 134 carries in 15 regular-season contests. With Dowdle heading to Pittsburgh via free agency this offseason, Hubbard seemed likely to return to being the Panthers' RB1 in 2026, but he may not run away with the job. Jonathon Brooks is entering his third season in the league, but he has missed all but three contests during his first two campaigns while recovering from a pair of ACL injuries. Brooks was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Hubbard is expected to split reps with the 23-year-old this season, likely ceding the majority of snaps to the youngster in clear passing situations. Hubbard has the more proven track record, but he'll have to prove that his disappointing 2025 campaign was just an anomaly, or he'll likely have a limited ceiling from a fantasy perspective again this season.
More Carolina Panthers Fantasy Football News
Chuba Hubbard
Coach confident regarding RB's Week 1 status
Head coach Dave Canales said Thursday that he's confident Hubbard (hamstring) will be available for the Panthers' regular-season opener against the Bears, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Set to start preseason opener
Brooks will start Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Chuba Hubbard
Week-to-week with hamstring issue
Hubbard (hamstring) is considered week-to-week, head coach Dave Canales revealed Thursday, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Could be on roster bubble
Sanders could have to battle for a roster spot for the remainder of the preseason after the Panthers signed veteran tight end Darren Waller to a one-year deal Wednesday, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Tommy Tremble
Faces competition with signing of Waller
Tremble could face competition atop the depth chart at tight end after Carolina signed Darren Waller to a one-year contract Wednesday, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Xavier Legette
Having strong training camp
Coach Dave Canales highlighted Legette on Wednesday for having a strong training camp, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Darren Waller
Inks deal with Carolina
The Panthers signed Waller (groin) to a one-year contract Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Tetairoa McMillan
Offseason work showing up in practice
Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that McMillan got "bigger and stronger" in the offseason, which has been apparent on the practice field in training camp, Mike Kaye of ESPN.com reports.
Jonathon Brooks
Sharing work with Hubbard in next preseason game
Panthers coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that Brooks will mix in with Chuba Hubbard during Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Bryce Young
Will play in preseason opener
Head coach Dave Canales told reporters Sunday that Young and the Panthers starters will play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Bills, Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official site reports.