The Carolina Panthers are set to navigate the remainder of the 2024 NFL season without their standout running back, Chuba Hubbard, who is anticipated to be placed on injured reserve due to calf and knee injuries. Reports from ESPN indicate that Hubbard did not participate in practice on Wednesday, though he managed limited participation on both Thursday and Friday. His questionable status for the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represents a significant blow to both the Panthers' offensive strategy and the fantasy teams relying on his performance in championship games.

Currently, Hubbard ranks sixth in the league with an impressive 1,195 rushing yards and has scored 10 rushing touchdowns this season. This achievement marks him as the first player for the Panthers to reach double-digit rushing touchdowns in a single season since Christian McCaffrey accomplished the feat in 2019. In recognition of his standout performance this season, Carolina extended Hubbard's contract with a lucrative four-year deal worth $33.2 million.

Hubbard's injury adds to the Panthers' woes, as he becomes the third running back to be placed on injured reserve, joining Miles Sanders, who is dealing with an ankle injury, and rookie Jonathon Brooks, who suffered an ACL tear. The team's running back depth is now severely tested, with only Raheem Blackshear and Velus Jones Jr. remaining on the active roster, while Emani Bailey and Mike Boone are available on the practice squad.

The Carolina Panthers have announced that running back Chuba Hubbard, who has achieved a career-high of 1,195 rushing yards this season, will be placed on injured reserve due to calf and knee injuries. This decision comes as a significant blow to the Panthers, who currently hold a 4-11 record in the NFL. Hubbard was the league's sixth-leading rusher as of 2024, and his absence will be felt deeply as the team prepares for the final stretch of the season.

Despite being listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Dave Canales had indicated that Hubbard would participate. However, following a standout performance where he rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns in a recent game against Arizona, including a dramatic walk-off touchdown, the decision to place him on injured reserve was made. Earlier this year, the Panthers rewarded Hubbard with a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension, underscoring their belief in his potential.

With Hubbard sidelined, the Panthers' backfield will rely on Raheem Blackshear as their sole running back on the 53-man roster. The team also has Mike Boone and Emani Bailey available on the practice squad, but the loss of Hubbard is a significant setback as they prepare to face the Buccaneers, who are currently tied with Atlanta for the NFC South lead.