ChubaHubbard

News: 4 days agoHubbard rushed twice for four yards and wasn't targeted in the Panthers' 20-3 preseason loss to the Texans on Saturday afternoon.

Spin: The Panthers' lead back was out there with his first-unit mates for two series, but Hubbard was sparsely used. That was also the case in the preseason opener against the Browns, as keeping the versatile back healthy for Week 1 is clearly a top priority. Hubbard will share the backfield with Rico Dowdle this coming season, which will likely lead to at least a slight hit to the former's touches, but he should still be in line for a robust role as both runner and receiver.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Hubbard signed a contract extension with Carolina last season, which locked him in as the team's lead back for the near future. The 2021 fourth-round pick has amassed 275-plus touches in each of the past two seasons and, despite missing two games in 2024, he finished in the top 15 among RBs in carries, targets, touches, yards, touchdowns and fantasy points. He ran well (4.8 YPC) and was busy near the goal line (he ranked fifth with 17 carries inside the 5-yard line), but he struggled as a receiver (RB-worst 3.2 YPT). With Jonathon Brooks (ACL) out for the entire 2025 season, Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne are Hubbard's primary competition for touches. The 26-year-old makes for a solid RB2 target.