Chuba Hubbard Injury Update: Will the Panthers’ Star RB Play in Week 6 Against the Cowboys?

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is battling a calf strain that kept him out of the team’s Week 5 matchup. His status for the Week 6 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain as the team monitors his recovery closely.

Head coach Dave Canales described Hubbard as “day-to-day,” avoiding a long-term injury label but stopping short of confirming his return. Fans and fantasy football managers are watching closely to see whether Carolina’s top offensive weapon will suit up this Sunday.

Chuba Hubbard’s Week 6 Availability Still in Question

Hubbard first sustained the calf issue late during Week 4 preparation. The injury prevented him from practicing and led to three consecutive “Did Not Participate” designations ahead of Week 5, when the Panthers officially ruled him out against Miami. Canales said the team will reassess Hubbard throughout this week but hinted at caution, suggesting another absence is possible if he doesn’t show meaningful progress in practice.

The Panthers remain careful with their $33.2 million running back after his career-best 1,195-yard, 11-touchdown 2024 season. This is not the same Grade 2 calf strain that ended Hubbard’s season last December, but the team wants to avoid rushing him back and risking a setback. Unlike last year, when Hubbard landed on injured reserve, the day-to-day tag suggests a shorter recovery timeline if he responds well to treatment.

Carolina’s offense has struggled without its centerpiece. Through five games, the Panthers hold a 2-3 record and rank just 20th in the league with a 72.7 PFSN Offense Impact score. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik’s unit has lacked consistency, and Hubbard’s absence has been felt in both the running and passing game.

Impact on the Panthers’ Backfield if Hubbard Sits Again

If Hubbard is unavailable for Week 6, Rico Dowdle will remain the featured back. Dowdle impressed with 206 rushing yards and a touchdown against Miami, proving he can handle a starting workload. Rookie Trevor Etienne would slide into the secondary role and see increased snaps as the Panthers continue to evaluate their depth.

For Hubbard to return, he needs to log at least limited participation in practice this week. So far, there’s no confirmation of that happening. The team’s cautious approach indicates they may prefer to give him one more week to fully recover before risking a return.

At this stage, the Panthers have made no official decision. Hubbard’s chances to play hinge on whether his calf responds to treatment in time for Thursday and Friday practices. If he stays sidelined or limited, expect another game led by Dowdle against the Cowboys.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Chuba Hubbard’s injury?

He is recovering from a calf strain that developed late in Week 4 preparation.

Q2: Will Chuba Hubbard play in Week 6?

It’s uncertain. He remains day-to-day, but early signs suggest he may sit out another game.

Q3: Who will replace Chuba Hubbard if he’s out?

Rico Dowdle will lead the backfield, with rookie Trevor Etienne serving as the backup.

Q4: Is this the same injury that ended his 2024 season?

No. This calf issue is different from the Grade 2 strain that put him on injured reserve last December.

Q5: How long is Chuba Hubbard’s contract with the Panthers?

He signed a four-year, $33.2 million extension in November 2024 with $15 million guaranteed.