Overview
- Coach Dave Canales said Monday that Chuba Hubbard is expected to be ready for the Sept. 13 opener and that, if cleared, the team will use a running‑back‑by‑committee with Jonathan Brooks in Week 1.
- Hubbard strained his hamstring in early August, did not play in a preseason game while rehabbing, and has shown straight‑line speed of about 20 mph but has been kept from cutting work.
- Jonathan Brooks has received more first‑group reps this preseason and is viewed as a more explosive option despite a history of knee injuries and limited regular‑season carries.
- The planned split replaces the single‑workload role Rico Dowdle once shared and creates immediate carry uncertainty for Hubbard while giving Brooks a clear opportunity to earn regular snaps.
- Because hamstring strains carry a high risk of re‑injury when cutting is resumed, the Panthers’ cautious plan aims to protect Hubbard early and could change quickly based on Week‑1 health and on‑field performance.