Panthers Target Running-Back Revamp for the 2026 Season

Head coach Dave Canales has signaled a clear intention to increase the Carolina Panthers’ rushing attack in the upcoming 2026 NFL season. With offensive coordinator Brad Idzik now calling plays, the coaching staff plans to rotate three running backs—Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks and AJ Dillon—based on health and situational needs. The strategy emphasizes a lead back handling base-down carries while a change-of-pace partner steps in on third down for protection, blocking or short-yardage situations.

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• Chuba Hubbard, 27 – Returned as the primary back after a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the entire 2026 preseason and a calf injury that limited him to two games in 2025. He logged 511 rushing yards (3.8 yds/carry) and a receiving touchdown in 2025, and signed a four-year, $33.2 million extension in 2024.

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• Jonathon Brooks, 23 – The No. 46 overall 2024 draft pick suffered right-ACL tears in 2023 (college) and 2024, missing the full 2025 season and playing only three games in 2024. In the 2026 preseason he recorded 23 rushing yards and one touchdown on eight carries, showing confidence in contact.

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• AJ Dillon, 28 – Missed the entire 2024 season with neck stingers and spent 2025 largely on a practice squad before joining Carolina. In the 2026 preseason he posted 46 rushing yards, two touchdowns on 14 carries, and added 75 receiving yards on eight catches.

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Canales expressed optimism about Brooks’ availability for Week 1, noting that the team will keep the running-back rotation flexible and will adjust the lead-back role as health permits.

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• “Yeah, we'll definitely roll it out just the way we have been,” — Dave Canales, carolina panthers coach

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If Brooks remains healthy, the Panthers intend to use him as a change-of-pace complement to Hubbard’s north-south style, especially on third down. Dillon is expected to see occasional short-yardage and receiving duties, while the third-back role may stay limited when the top two backs are available. The trio’s combined experience and injury histories suggest the Panthers are banking on depth to sustain a more balanced offensive attack throughout the 2026 campaign.

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