Chuba Hubbard’s breakout season has suffered a significant setback as the Carolina Panthers have placed the running back on injured reserve, ending his 2024 campaign prematurely. According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the decision follows Hubbard’s knee and calf injuries, which have sidelined him for the last two games of the season.
Hubbard, who was previously listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led the Panthers with career-high statistics this season. Through 15 games, he amassed 250 carries for 1,195 rushing yards and crossed the end zone 10 times. His outstanding performance recently earned him the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week recognition after rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.
Now at 4-11 for the season, the Panthers are turning their focus to the future, hoping to protect their significant investment in Hubbard, who signed a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension earlier this season. Coach Dave Canales confirmed the decision to place Hubbard on injured reserve, signaling the team’s commitment to ensuring his long-term health as they prepare for the next season.
With Hubbard sidelined, the Panthers must adapt their strategy as he was the sixth-leading rusher in the NFL for 2024. Raheem Blackshear is set to be the primary running back for the remaining games, with backup options Velus Jones Jr. and Mike Boone stepping up from the practice squad. Meanwhile, the Panthers are also managing the absence of rookie Jonathan Brooks, who suffered a torn ACL earlier this season.
Hubbard’s stellar performance this season not only showcased his talent but also highlighted how far he has come since being drafted as a fourth-round pick from Oklahoma State. After starting his rookie season as a backup to Christian McCaffrey, Hubbard quickly established himself as a capable starter. His surge to prominence was recognized by the organization, resulting in the lucrative extension—a clear indication of the Panthers' belief in his abilities.
Looking back, Hubbard has consistently improved during his tenure. After accumulating just 786 yards from scrimmage during his rookie year, he notched 1,135 yards across the last season before this breakout year. He ended this season with 1,366 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, showing he has firmly set himself as the centerpiece of the Panthers' offense.
While the injury may bring disappointment, it also opens up discussions about the Panthers' long-term plans and the evaluation of their remaining running back depth moving forward. The last few weeks will be instrumental for assessing players like Blackshear, who now finds himself thrust back to the forefront of the offense after mainly serving as Hubbard’s backup.
This season's unfortunate conclusion for Hubbard may serve as motivation for his recovery and return to the field. The Panthers are hopeful about regrouping and returning to playoff contention next season, with Hubbard expected to lead the charge once he recovers from his injuries. The overall outlook remains bright for the Panthers with the young running back at the helm, as they prepare for another offseason aimed at strengthening their roster.
Chuba Hubbard's case serves as both a tale of success and caution—a reminder of the uncertainties inherent in sports, but also the potential rewards of investing wisely in young talent. With Hubbard on the sidelines, the Panthers face the dual challenge of replacing his production on the field and evaluating their depth to strategize effectively for their future endeavors.
