Overview
- Reports published Wednesday show ESPN insider Dan Graziano and multiple outlets saying the Panthers will split carries between Hubbard and Brooks this season.
- Carolina views Hubbard as the more trusted, dependable runner based on his past production and locker-room role, and he is expected to be the default lead if healthy.
- The team is cautious with Brooks because he suffered a second ACL tear as a rookie and missed the 2025 season while rehabbing, which limits his immediate workload.
- Head coach Dave Canales has projected Hubbard available for Week 1 after a conservative return-to-play plan that prioritized controlled on-field reps over contact work.
- Fantasy analysts call both backs boom-or-bust RB2 options and note ADP movement that slightly favors Hubbard, while the departure of Rico Dowdle increases available touches for the two-man committee.