Panthers’ Hubbard Likely to Sit Out Upcoming Game
Carolina Panthers Face Setback with Chuba Hubbard’s Injury
Impact of Chuba Hubbard’s Absence on the Panthers’ Strategy
Carolina Panthers’ running back Chuba Hubbard is anticipated to miss the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins due to a persistent calf injury. This injury has sidelined him from practice for the past two days, as confirmed by a reliable league source on Friday. Hubbard, who leads the Panthers in rushing with 217 yards on 53 carries, played an impressive 2024 season with 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Rico Dowdle Poised for a Starting Role
With Hubbard out of the lineup, former Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle is set to fill the void. Dowdle, who inked a one-year, $3 million contract potentially boosting to $6.5 million during the offseason, will be making his starting debut. As Hubbard’s backup, Dowdle has accrued 83 yards on 28 carries. He showcased his potential last year with a personal best of 1,079 rushing yards for Dallas.
- Rico Dowdle’s recent performance: 83 yards on 28 carries
- 2024 season highlights: 1,079 rushing yards with Dallas
Expressing his readiness, Dowdle stated on Thursday, “Just making the most of the opportunity, that’s going to be the main thing, doing what I can to help the team.”
Trevor Etienne: The Rising Backup
Rookie Trevor Etienne is also expected to step up as the likely backup for Dowdle. Primarily utilized as a return specialist, Etienne has managed 37 yards on eight carries this season. His involvement is critical as the Panthers aim to maintain their offensive strength in Hubbard’s absence.
| Player | Yards | Carries |
|---|---|---|
| Chuba Hubbard | 217 | 53 |
| Rico Dowdle | 83 | 28 |
| Trevor Etienne | 37 | 8 |
Chuba Hubbard’s Contract and Injury Challenges
Hubbard previously secured a substantial four-year, $33.2 million contract late last season. However, this season he has struggled, further hindered by the calf injury that limited him to 10 carries for 49 yards last week. The NFL Network was the first to report on Hubbard’s anticipated absence from the upcoming game.
As the Panthers prepare to face the Dolphins, they will rely heavily on their bench strength and strategic plays to navigate Hubbard’s absence, with Emegypt keeping fans updated on the unfolding developments.
