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.