CHARLOTTE, NC — Since Chuba Hubbard joined the Carolina Panthers, it appears the franchise has been in search of a better option at the running back position.
Yet, with each game, Hubbard demonstrates he possesses the skills necessary to thrive as a genuine every-down back.
The Canadian-born running back has emerged as one of the top performers in the league this season, even while playing for a struggling team.
He has consistently averaged over 100 rushing yards per game in the last month, boasting an impressive average of more than 6 yards per carry across his last five outings.
For a squad often compelled to abandon their ground game due to trailing scores—Carolina has allowed the most points in the league with 203—this achievement highlights Hubbard’s resilience.
Currently, his 485 rushing yards place him third in the NFL, following only Derrick Henry from Baltimore and Jordan Mason of San Francisco.
His performance in pass protection has seen improvement, and his capability as a receiver has also grown.
He has successfully caught 22 out of the 24 passes targeted to him this season, accumulating 93 yards and a touchdown.
“I pride myself on being a complete back,” Hubbard stated.
At 25, Hubbard draws motivation from his desire to support his family, his passion for the sport, and the aspiration to be recognized as one of the great running backs in NFL history.
Despite facing challenges throughout his journey, he has continually proven capable of overcoming them.
When Hubbard was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, Christian McCaffrey was established as the team’s primary starter.
However, when McCaffrey dealt with injuries, Hubbard showed his potential by rushing for 612 yards and five touchdowns in 10 starts.
The next year, McCaffrey was traded to San Francisco after seven games, but the Panthers opted to rely on D’Onta Foreman for the leading role while Hubbard returned to being a secondary option.
Although Foreman departed in free agency the following offseason, instead of promoting Hubbard to the top spot, the team signed Miles Sanders to a four-year deal worth $24.5 million, making it the most lucrative contract for a free agent running back that offseason.
Former head coach Frank Reich quickly labeled Sanders as the team’s “every-down back.”
However, Sanders’ time as the starter was short-lived.
After six games in the 2023 season, Hubbard took over the starting role, finishing the year with a career-high of 902 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Since that time, he has retained the starting position; however, uncertainty remains concerning its longevity.
The Panthers drafted Jonathan Brooks in the second round this year, hoping to groom him as the primary running back once he fully recovered from a torn ACL.
Brooks practiced for the first time on Wednesday, indicating a need to build confidence in his knee before returning to game action.
“Like my doctor said, my knee is healed. It’s just the mental part of it now where you have to tell yourself it’s healed and just go play fast,” Brooks noted.
Coach Dave Canales has been vague about Brooks’ eventual role upon his return.
Given Hubbard’s promising numbers and a 5.6 yards-per-carry average, it seems evident he is not about to relinquish his starting role without a fight.
One aspect in Hubbard’s favor is the impression he has made on Canales.
The first-year head coach appreciates Hubbard’s quick and decisive running style, finding it ideal for his offensive scheme.
“He’s not afraid of the dirty 2- and 3-yard run, where you just kind of have to cram it up in there,” Canales explained.
“And then later on in the game, they start popping into 8s and 12s, and here comes a 25. Just the discipline and his willingness to really commit to the system.”
Hubbard adds, “I feel like the position gets overshadowed and people feel like anyone can do it. But to really know and understand certain runs, gaps, schemes, zones, and power, it takes patience.”
Canales regards Brooks as more of a “home run threat” when he has possession, meaning the rookie will eventually get his opportunity.
For the moment, Hubbard remains the starting running back as the Panthers approach Week 7, where he is set to compete against the Washington Commanders and six-time All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner on Sunday.
Wagner acknowledged that stopping Hubbard would pose a significant challenge for the NFL’s 22nd-ranked run defense.
“I like the way he runs,” Wagner remarked.
“He tries to finish runs. He sees the holes really well. He’s going to be a tough task for us.”