Panthers Face Backfield Questions After Chuba Hubbard’s Return
A sense of relief washed over the Carolina Panthers’ locker room this week as running back Chuba Hubbard is set to make his return against the New York Jets on Sunday. After a frustrating two-game absence due to a calf injury, Hubbard’s name was officially cleared from the injury report following a full practice session on Friday, signaling his readiness to rejoin the fray.
The Panthers’ backfield is finally getting back to full strength, a welcome development for a team navigating the grueling NFL season. However, Hubbard’s return introduces a complex but welcome challenge for head coach Dave Canales: who gets the carries?
The Dowdle Dilemma
In the two weeks Hubbard was sidelined, Rico Dowdle didn’t just fill in; he exploded onto the scene. Dowdle seized the opportunity, running for an impressive 389 yards and amassing 473 total yards from scrimmage. His performance was a silver lining during Hubbard’s absence, showcasing the depth and talent within the Panthers’ running back corps.
Now, with both backs healthy, Canales faces a critical decision that could shape the team’s offensive identity moving forward. The question on everyone’s mind is how the workload will be distributed. Will Hubbard, the established starter, reclaim his primary role, or has Dowdle’s breakout performance earned him a more significant share of the offensive snaps?
When pressed, Coach Canales remained tight-lipped, offering a strategic non-answer that keeps the Jets’ defense guessing.
“We have (decided), and all I’ll say is both guys will help us and we’ll make sure that happens by the end of the game,” Canales stated in a press conference.
This ambiguity creates a compelling storyline for Sunday’s game. For Hubbard, it’s a chance to reclaim his position and prove he’s the definitive leader of this backfield. For Dowdle, it’s an opportunity to build on his recent success and solidify a permanent, significant role in the offense. For the Panthers, it’s about leveraging the full strength of their roster to secure a much needed victory.
Other Key Players Returning
The good news doesn’t stop with Hubbard. Wide receiver Jalen Coker is also slated to make his season debut after being sidelined for the first six games with a quad injury. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is also expected back on the field after missing three games with a high ankle sprain, providing another valuable target for the offense.
However, the Panthers’ offensive line continues to be a source of concern. The unit has been plagued by injuries all season, and this week is no different. Right tackle Taylor Moton (elbow) and left guard Damien Lewis (shoulder) are both listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup. Lewis’s shoulder issue was a late week development that kept him out of Friday’s practice.
If Lewis is unable to play, it would mark a troubling milestone: all five of the Panthers’ original starting offensive linemen will have missed at least one game due to injury. Center Austin Corbett, who practiced in full this week, could potentially be activated from injured reserve to fill the gap, but the line’s instability remains a significant challenge for an offense trying to find its rhythm.
As the Panthers prepare to face the Jets, all eyes will be on the backfield. Hubbard’s return is a story of resilience and determination, but it’s also the catalyst for a brewing competition that could bring out the best in both him and Dowdle. How Canales manages this dynamic duo will be a key factor not just for this game, but for the remainder of the season.
