Panthers' Chuba Hubbard: Could see workload grow sans Brooks
Rotowire
Hubbard has an unimpeded path to close out the 2024 campaign in a workhorse role out of the backfield for Carolina, with Jonathan Brooks (knee) having suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Hubbard has established himself as the clear No. 1 option leading the Panthers' rushing attack this season, and he rushed 26 times for 92 yards and one touchdown versus Philadelphia, but there had been an assumption that Brooks' involvement would ramp up down the stretch. With the rookie second-round pick having re-torn his right ACL, though, Carolina's roster no longer features anyone even resembling a threat to Hubbard's dominant share of reps. Raheem Blackshear (chest) is considered day-to-day, while veteran Miles Sanders (ankle) won't be eligible to come off IR until Week 16 against Arizona, at the earliest. Head coach Dave Canales said practice-squad player Mike Boone currently is in line to handle the No. 2 role behind Hubbard at practice and potentially Week 15 versus Dallas, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.
Hubbard carried the ball 26 times for 92 yards and a touchdown and caught four of five targets for 15 yards in Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles.
Rookie Jonathon Brooks left the game in the first quarter with an injury to his right knee, the same one he had ACL surgery on about a year ago, while depth RB Raheem Blackshear was also knocked out of the game early with a chest injury. That left Hubbard as Carolina's only option in the backfield, and he turned the extra volume into his best performance since Week 10. The fourth-year back also crossed 1,000 rushing yards on the season, the first time in his career he's reached that plateau. If Brooks' injury proves to be serious, Hubbard is likely headed for a heavy workload again in Week 15 against the Cowboys.
Hubbard rushed the ball 12 times for 43 yards in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Buccaneers. He was not targeted.
Hubbard continued to lead the Carolina backfield, though he out-touched Jonathon Brooks by a margin of only 12-9. He was also held in check for most of the game, as his longest gain went for only nine yards and he had a fumble in overtime that cost the Panthers a chance at victory. Perhaps most concerning in regards to role was Hubbard's lack of involvement as a receiver, as this marked only the third time this season that he wasn't targeted. He has at least four receptions in six contests for the campaign, which has served as a significant portion of his fantasy value.
