Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is considered week-to-week after an MRI confirmed the severity of his hamstring injury, head coach Dave Canales said Thursday, according to Fox Sports 1340 AM's Sheena Quick.
However, the Panthers are reportedly anticipating Hubbard to be ready for their season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 13.
Hubbard posted over 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2023 and 2024, but his production dipped in 2025 as Rico Dowdle took over as Carolina's top halfback. With Dowdle signing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, Hubbard is projected to receive a bigger role this year.
Carolina was expected to split carries between Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks heading into the team's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Brooks is attempting to rebound from a torn ACL in 2024, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 campaign.
Hubbard's absence could provide an opportunity for other running backs to step up in the preseason, with Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon, and Miles Davis among the options on the Panthers' depth chart.
Hubbard has rushed for 3,686 yards and 23 touchdowns across five seasons in Carolina.
