Panthers get Hubbard back but won't announce RB1 for Jets game

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard will return Sunday against the New York Jets after a two-game absence, the team announced Friday.

Hubbard started Carolina's first four games this season before sustaining a calf injury. With the one-time 1,000-rusher sidelined, Rico Dowdle put on a show by amassing at least 200 yards and one touchdown from scrimmage in two straight contests.

It remains unclear whether Carolina will go back to Hubbard as its leading tailback or keep feeding Dowdle, who registered 60 touches in his last two appearances.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Friday the team has already made an internal decision on who will get the majority of carries for Carolina against New York, but he won't publicly announce it, according to ESPN's David Newton.

Dowdle signed a one-year contract with Carolina in March after rushing for a career-high 1,079 yards with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024.

Hubbard, who led the Panthers in rushing in each of the past two seasons, was limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday this week before becoming a full participant during Friday's session.

Carolina is also welcoming back wide receiver Jalen Coker versus the Jets. Coker had 478 yards and two touchdowns as an undrafted rookie last year but began the 2025 season on injured reserve due to a quad issue.