Full Breakdown
Panthers’ Lead Back Chuba Hubbard Week-to-Week with Hamstring Injury
8/13/2026, 11:53:23 PM
Hubbard’s Hamstring Sets Back Panthers’ Backfield Plans
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was absent from Thursday’s practice after feeling a hamstring issue in training camp. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed the injury is “legit” and classified Hubbard as week-to-week. The Panthers will start Jonathon Brooks in the second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, giving the former second-round pick his first NFL preseason action.
Recent Injury History and Contract Status
Hubbard, a six-year veteran, entered the 2026 season after signing a four-year, $44.2 million extension in November 2025. He posted a career-high 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns over 15 starts in 2024, then logged 734 yards from scrimmage with four scores in 2025. Prior to this hamstring setback, he missed two games in 2025 due to a nagging calf injury.
Brooks, the 2024 second-round pick, missed the entire 2025 season after re-tearing an ACL suffered in 2024. He is now slated to start the preseason contest, marking his first NFL preseason appearance.
Running Back Depth Chart and Upcoming Preseason Role
The Panthers’ depth chart lists Hubbard as the top running back, with Brooks as the primary backup, followed by Trevor Etienne, A.J. Dillon, and Miles Davis. With Hubbard sidelined, Brooks will receive the majority of carries in the Bills matchup, while the other backs are expected to see limited reps.
Data & Statistics
- Hubbard career: 3,686 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns over five seasons.
- 2024 season: 1,366 yards, 11 touchdowns.
- 2025 season: 734 yards from scrimmage, four touchdowns.
- Contract: four-year, $44.2 million extension.
- Brooks’ draft: second round, 2024 NFL Draft; missed 2024 rookie season after ACL tear and missed all of 2025 (multiple sources).
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Canales said the team has obtained an MRI, confirmed the hamstring injury, and will place Hubbard in a return-to-play program. He expressed confidence that Hubbard will be ready for the season opener against the Chicago Bears, emphasizing a cautious approach to avoid re-injury. Canales also noted that Brooks will start the preseason game, providing him an opportunity to demonstrate his readiness after two years of rehabilitation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're going to get him some treatment,” — Dave Canales, head coach
- “Yeah, we got an MRI on it. He's got a hamstring. It's a legit hamstring,” — Dave Canales, head coach
Impact on Team Strategy and Fantasy Outlook
With Hubbard’s status uncertain, the Panthers are likely to lean on Brooks for a larger share of the workload in preseason and potentially early regular-season snaps. Fantasy analysts note that Brooks’ average draft position (ADP) has risen, while Hubbard’s has slipped, reflecting the shifting backfield dynamics. The injury also opens the door for Etienne, Dillon, or Davis to receive additional carries if the coaching staff opts for a committee approach.
What’s Next
The Panthers aim to have Hubbard cleared for the Week 1 regular-season game. In the meantime, Brooks will lead the backfield in the upcoming preseason contest at Highmark Stadium, and the coaching staff will monitor Hubbard’s rehabilitation progress throughout the remaining preseason weeks.
