Panthers lean on Chuba Hubbard’s resilience as he battles calf soreness ahead of crucial showdown with Patriots
The Carolina Panthers are riding high after a commanding victory last weekend, having decisively defeated the Atlanta Falcons 30-0. This win not only boosted team morale but also showcased the significant contributions of running back Chuba Hubbard. In that game, Hubbard demonstrated his value by rushing 17 times for 73 yards while also catching two passes, solidifying his role as a key player in the Panthers’ offensive scheme.
Injury Concerns Arise
However, with the Panthers gearing up for their next challenge against the New England Patriots, concerns have emerged regarding Hubbard’s health. The running back appeared on the injury report this week, grappling with calf soreness that limited his participation in practice on both Thursday and Friday. As the team released its latest injury report, Hubbard was classified as questionable for Sunday’s matchup, prompting questions about his availability.
Expectations for Hubbard’s Play
Despite these injury concerns, optimism remains around Hubbard’s participation. According to reports, including insights from ESPN, he is expected to take the field. Notably, sports analyst David Newton indicated, “Running back Chuba Hubbard and WR Tetairoa McMillan are listed as questionable for the Panthers on Sunday, but I expect both to play.” Head coach Dave Canales also downplayed the severity of Hubbard’s condition, referring to it simply as “some soreness.” This suggests that Hubbard is likely to retain his position as the primary running back for the weekend’s contest.
Impact of Hubbard’s Performance
Hubbard’s presence on the field is crucial for the Panthers. As the leading rusher for the team this season, he has become an integral part of the offense, also ranking third in receptions. With double the carries of backup Rico Dowdle, Hubbard has averaged four yards per carry, proving to be both a reliable and versatile option. His ability to contribute in various facets of the game underscores his importance as the team looks to build on last week’s success.
Fantasy Football Implications
In the realm of fantasy football, Hubbard’s performance positions him as a noteworthy candidate. Currently, he ranks as RB11 in PPR formats, making him a potential must-start for many fantasy managers. Yet, the matchup against the Patriots presents a challenge, as they are among the top defenses in the league, allowing fewer rushing yards per game, second only to the Cleveland Browns. Coupled with Hubbard’s calf issue, the prudent approach may be to consider benching him this week in fantasy lineups.
Looking Ahead: Dowdle as the Backup Option
Should Hubbard’s condition limit his effectiveness, Rico Dowdle stands ready to step in. Dowdle, the clear RB2 for the Panthers, has accumulated 19 carries for 51 yards and one touchdown this season. With over 1,000 rushing yards last season, he has proven to be a relevant fantasy option and could see increased involvement should Hubbard be hampered by injury.
As the Panthers prepare for their pivotal clash against the Patriots, all eyes will be on Chuba Hubbard. His ability to overcome this calf soreness will significantly influence the team’s offensive strategy and their quest for another victory.
