Chuba Hubbard Injury Update: Panthers Rule Out RB for Week 5 vs. Dolphins

The Carolina Panthers will be without starting running back Chuba Hubbard in Week 5. The team officially ruled him out for Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins as he continues to deal with a lingering calf injury.

Hubbard’s absence creates an unexpected backfield challenge for head coach Dave Canales, who confirmed the running back’s status after he missed multiple practices this week.

Panthers Confirm Chuba Hubbard’s Calf Injury Setback

Hubbard first suffered the calf injury late last week but managed to play through it in the Panthers’ Week 4 game against the New England Patriots. However, his recovery has not gone as planned. Canales told reporters that the injury “has gotten worse since last week” and that the team is being cautious to avoid further setbacks.

Hubbard was a non-participant in Wednesday’s walkthrough and did not practice on Thursday, raising doubts about his Week 5 availability. On Friday morning, NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Hubbard was expected to miss the game, and the Panthers later made the decision official by ruling him out.

Canales emphasized the need for additional treatment before Hubbard can return, stating, “The calf needs more treatment, the calf needs more time.” The team lists him as day-to-day beyond this weekend, leaving his Week 6 status uncertain.

Who Steps Up in the Panthers’ Backfield?

With Hubbard sidelined, Carolina will turn to Rico Dowdle as the lead back against Miami. Dowdle, who has been fully participating in practice, is expected to carry most of the workload. Rookie Trevor Etienne, a fourth-round pick with upside, and veteran DeeJay Dallas will provide depth behind him.

Hubbard’s absence is significant for the Panthers’ offense. He has been one of the team’s most reliable players this season, ranking 16th among NFL running backs in PFSN’s Running Back Impact metric. Dowdle has been used in rotation this year but now has a chance to prove himself as a capable starter.

The matchup could be favorable for Carolina’s ground game. Miami’s defense has struggled against the run this season, giving Dowdle and Etienne an opportunity to contribute if the offensive line can create space.

What This Means for the Panthers Moving Forward

The Panthers face an important early-season test without their lead running back. Hubbard’s injury adds pressure on quarterback Bryce Young and the passing game to create offensive balance. It also forces the coaching staff to rely on less experienced backs against a Dolphins defense eager to rebound.

The long-term concern is whether Hubbard’s calf issue will linger beyond Week 5. Canales called his recovery “day-to-day,” but with the injury reportedly worsening this week, the Panthers may opt to hold him out until he’s fully healthy to avoid re-aggravation.

For now, Carolina will move ahead with Rico Dowdle as the feature back, while fans hope Hubbard can return in the coming weeks without further complications.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Chuba Hubbard playing in Week 5?

No. The Panthers ruled out Hubbard due to his calf injury after he missed the entire week of practice.

Q2: Who will replace Chuba Hubbard against the Dolphins?

Rico Dowdle is expected to start, with Trevor Etienne and DeeJay Dallas providing support.

Q3: When did Hubbard’s calf injury worsen?

The issue first appeared before Week 4, but it worsened this week, leading to him missing practices and being ruled out.

Q4: How has Miami’s run defense performed this season?

The Dolphins have struggled to stop the run, giving Carolina’s backups a chance to produce on Sunday.

Q5: Could Hubbard return in Week 6?

He is considered day-to-day. His availability for Week 6 will depend on how his calf responds to treatment.