Chuba Hubbard Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury

Carolina Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard is dealing with a hamstring injury, an ailment the team expects him to recover from in time for the regular-season opener. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed the injury on August 13, 2026, following the team's practice, stating an MRI revealed a "legit hamstring" strain for the veteran back.

The injury occurred during a pass drill on August 12 when Hubbard was running a choice route in one-on-one coverage. The team immediately shut him down for further evaluation. Canales described Hubbard as "week to week" but expressed strong confidence that the running back would be available for the Week 1 home game against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2026. "Very confident he'll be ready for Game One of the regular season. Trying to get him out there sooner than that," Canales said.

With Hubbard sidelined for the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills scheduled for August 15, the Panthers are turning to Jonathon Brooks to assume the starting role. Brooks, a former second-round draft pick, has suffered two torn ACL injuries since entering the league and missed the entirety of the 2025 season. This will be his first game action...