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Source: Associated Press
Summary
Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales said Chuba Hubbard is expected to be ready for the 2026 season opener, despite a strained hamstring during training camp. Hubbard, the projected starter, will share carries with Jonathon Brooks, who is listed as the second option. Brooks, a second-round pick in 2024, has only eight preseason carries after missing most of his rookie season with a torn ACL. Hubbard, who started 15 games in 2025, saw his production drop after a calf injury. Rico Dowdle, who replaced Hubbard late in 2025, signed with the Steelers.
Our Reading
This one felt recognizable early.
Hubbard’s hamstring was fine in training camp, then it wasn’t.
Brooks has eight carries, still learning the system.
Dowdle’s gone, but the same problem remains.
The Panthers are betting on a guy who’s missed time before.
Author: Evan Null
Chuba Hubbard’s Health Drama
Chuba Hubbard’s injury history is as long as his career. He’s had a calf issue in 2025 and a hamstring strain in 2026. Both have kept him off the field, making his readiness for the season opener a question mark. Despite that, the Panthers are still counting on him as their starting running back.
Jonathon Brooks’ Role
Jonathon Brooks is the second option, but he’s only had eight preseason carries. The 21-year-old has been hampered by a torn ACL that kept him out of most of his rookie season. Now healthy, he’s on the depth chart but hasn’t seen much action yet.
Rico Dowdle’s Departure
Rico Dowdle, who replaced Hubbard in 2025, signed with the Steelers this offseason. That opened up space for Hubbard and Brooks, but it also means the Panthers are relying on two backs who have both struggled with injuries.
Hubbard’s Production Drop
In 2025, Hubbard’s production dropped significantly after a calf injury. He went from averaging 13.2 carries and 47 yards per game to just 6.1 rushes and 25.4 yards over his last nine games. That’s a big reason why the Panthers are looking for a different approach this season.
The Committee Approach
With Hubbard not fully healthy and Brooks still getting his feet wet, the Panthers are going with a running back by committee. That means more carries for Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon, and Anthony Tyrus III. It’s a strategy that’s been used before, and it’s not exactly a guarantee of success.
