ChubaHubbard

News: 6 days agoHubbard has an unimpeded path to close out the 2024 campaign in a workhorse role out of the backfield for Carolina, with Jonathan Brooks (knee) having suffered a season-ending ACL tear during Sunday's 22-16 loss to the Eagles, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Hubbard has established himself as the clear No. 1 option leading the Panthers' rushing attack this season, and he rushed 26 times for 92 yards and one touchdown versus Philadelphia, but there had been an assumption that Brooks' involvement would ramp up down the stretch. With the rookie second-round pick having re-torn his right ACL, though, Carolina's roster no longer features anyone even resembling a threat to Hubbard's dominant share of reps. Raheem Blackshear (chest) is considered day-to-day, while veteran Miles Sanders (ankle) won't be eligible to come off IR until Week 16 against Arizona, at the earliest. Head coach Dave Canales said practice-squad player Mike Boone currently is in line to handle the No. 2 role behind Hubbard at practice and potentially Week 15 versus Dallas, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Hubbard replaced Miles Sanders as the feature back for the worst offensive team in the league last season, finishing with 902 rush yards and five touchdowns. However, he wasn't exactly efficient in doing so, ranking in the 30s in explosive-run rate, forced missed tackles and yards after contact. Add in the fact that things are still a bit cloudy in Carolina with new head coach Dave Canales, along with the fact they drafted Jonathon Brooks with the 46th pick in the draft, and it's not hard to see Hubbard's fantasy value taking a hit. He is worth a midround pick, as he is expected to be the lead back for at least the first four weeks of the season, while Brooks (ACL recovery) begins the season on IR.