2 Panthers training camp battles fantasy football managers must have their eye on

Injuries haven’t been kind to the Carolina Panthers, including the season-ending loss of a rookie wide receiver. Also, a key defensive player went down. But the Panthers have guys trying to step up, and here are two training-camp battles fantasy football managers must keep their eyes on.

Of course, the running back position is a key place for fantasy managers’ eyes. And there’s a battle brewing with the Panthers for the RB1 spot.

Also, the loss of Chris Brazzell II did two things. It took him out of the wide receiver mix. Also, it opened the door for target competition. Let’s take a look at these situations.

Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard trying to hold off Jonathan Brooks

Let’s get right to the nitty-gritty. The Panthers drafted Brooks in the second round in 2024 and expected big things from him. But over the course of two years, thanks to injuries, he has just nine carries for 22 yards.

That’s not exactly a great resume for a guy who is trying to win the starting job. However, there’s also not a lot of mileage on his NFL legs. And he’s still only 23 years old.

The good news is Brooks is in camp and taking hits, according to panthers.com.

“I think in the back of my mind, obviously as a football player you have to get back out there,” admitted Brooks after that first practice with a hit. “Be able to learn how to take hits, learn how to get your contact balance right back.

“Obviously the first day of pads, it was good. I think, as a team, we could have had a better day, but it was good to be out there and have fun with our teammates. It was a blessing. I feel like I’m back to 100%, getting out there and having fun with it.”

Brooks could give the Panthers an explosive element that Hubbard doesn’t provide. Hubbard is a five-year veteran who had a big season in 2024 with 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns. He can move the chains, but the explosiveness belongs to Brooks.

And that’s something head coach Dave Canales recognizes.

“It’s a fun YouTube watch if you ever get a second to just go back and they got a bunch of his plays,” Canales said. “And I would say half of them are on screens and checkdowns in the flat where he’s able to make somebody miss. And when he gets a beat on it, he can finish. He’s got finishing speed, so that’s a big part of his game.

“While we know we can utilize that part, first and foremost, he’s a running back. Just making sure that he’s on the right track, he’s reading the runs the right way, pressing the blocks to help his O-line out, stay connected and all that. That’s first and foremost, and then all the other things will come off of it.”

One good thing about Hubbard and Brooks is they have developed a friendship.

“To be honest, it sounds cliché to say, but I don’t know where I would be (without him) because he’s helped me throughout since I first got here,” Brooks reflected. “I came in with an injury, and he helped me; he took me under his wing and really guided me: how to rehab, how to practice, how to learn, how to take notes and all of that. And then, especially when I got hurt again, he was right there with me; he helped me throughout the whole way.”

Hubbard could be considered low-hanging fruit for Books to pluck. Pro Football Focus ranked Hubbard No. 27 among starting running backs in the NFL.

“Injuries, along with Rico Dowdle’s emergence, conspired to force Hubbard into arguably his least productive NFL season in 2025,” Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick wrote. “Including the postseason, he averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, while his 15 missed tackles forced were the third-fewest among all running backs with at least 100 attempts.”

Xaveir Legette and David Moore are in a WR battle

Injury devastates a team, but it also creates opportunity. And these two players have their sights set on an expanded role in 2026, according to ESPN.

Legette was a first-round pick in 2024, but his first two seasons have been so-so. He has seven touchdown receptions, but only 84 catches for 860 yards combined.

“Legette entered camp with heat on him after a subpar start to his pro career,” Jeremy Fowler wrote. “This camp, Legette is well-positioned to win the third receiver job opposite Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. The Panthers view Legette at his best when playing fast, and they don’t want to overload his plate as a result.”

As for Moore, he’s an eight-year veteran who has played for five teams. He doesn’t have any statistical resume of note. But maybe his veteran savvy will give him a chance to get into the mix of relevance for deep fantasy leagues.

“Moore has been with head coach Dave Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik every step of the way, from Seattle to Tampa Bay to Carolina,” Fowler wrote. “He is trusted and reliable. If Legette slips, Moore — who should have a role regardless — can step into a larger one.”

For fantasy purposes, the best bet is Legette. If he earns a significant role in the offense, he could actually have decent fantasy value this year. However, if Moore gets the gig, it’s probably best to steer clear. His career high is 35 catches, although he managed three touchdowns in 2024 with the Panthers.

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