Panthers’ Chuba Hubbard gets huge Week 1 update after hamstring injury

The Carolina Panthers are counting on the tandem of Jonathan Brooks and Chuba Hubbard at running back in 2026. But Hubbard’s recent hamstring injury threw a wrench into those plans.

The running back recently hit 20 MPH while rehabbing his injury and is now expected to be ready for Week 1, via Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio1340. Carolina is sure to be cautious with Hubbard, but his path to suiting up against the Chicago Bears.

Normally, it is Brooks who is dealing with injury issues. Since being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the running back has appeared in three games; all as a rookie. Back-to-back ACL tears has completely wiped out the last two seasons. Now healthy though, Carolina is expecting Brooks to play a crucial role in their offense.

Hubbard broke onto the scene in 2024 with new career-highs in carries (250), yardage (1,195) and touchdowns (10). But his numbers dropped off in 2025, turning 134 carries into 511 yards and one touchdown. The Panthers were led by Rico Dowdle on the ground, who led the team in yardage (1,076) and touchdowns (six).

Dowdle is now on the Pittsburgh Steelers, opening the door back up for Hubbard to reclaim his spot on the depth chart. After finishing 19th in rushing – averaging – 116.3 yards per game – Carolina will look to climb further up the rankings. If they can, their push to make the playoffs again will be much stronger.

Hubbard is now ready to help the Panthers achieve their rushing goals. He will still need to make it through the rest of training camp without any setbacks. But Carolina’s running back will be a focal point in Week 1 assuming he is on the field.

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