Chuba Hubbard News

Sanders recently signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract, including $13 million guaranteed, while Foreman settled for a much smaller one-year deal with the Bears after playing out last year on a similar contract for Carolina. He and Hubbard handled the vast majority of RB snaps/touches after the team traded Christian McCaffrey, with Hubbard notably finishing the year on a high note as he racked up 435 total yards over his final five games. The 2021 fourth-round pick now figures to take a backseat to Sanders, whose uneven tenure in Philadelphia was capped off by a career-best 259-1269-11 rushing line last season. The Panthers could still add more backfield talent, or perhaps find a passing-down role for Raheem Blackshear, given that Sanders and Hubbard both have struggled with drops and don't look especially natural as receivers or blockers. Hubbard's new role might just be as a backup on early downs, with upside dependent on Sanders missing time.

Hubbard's season high in carries came after teammate D'Onta Foreman was ejected early in the third quarter. Although he wasn't very efficient with his involvement Sunday, Hubbard's importance behind Foreman grew this season after the Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey in October. In 15 games, Hubbard rushed 95 times for 466 yards (4.9 per carry) for two touchdowns, and caught 14 of 17 targets for 171 yards. Despite Carolina facing uncertainty over their coach, quarterback and starting tailback next season -- when it's unclear whether Foreman will return -- Hubbard's dependability through his first two seasons could see him remain involved as a complementary option regardless of the surrounding pieces.

Hubbard's rushing work unexpectedly dried up, but he did salvage his day somewhat with his solid work through the air. The second-year back's carry total was his lowest since Week 6, but he does have a trio of three-catch efforts over the last four games going into a Week 18 road matchup against the Saints.

The second-year back teamed with backfield mate D'Onta Foreman to consistently rip off chunk plays against what had been an improving Lions run defense, although 65 of Hubbard's yards actually came on his first two carries of the contest. Hubbard's yardage total was a career high and marked only his second time eclipsing the century mark, and he'll aim to once again play a key role when the Panthers visit the Buccaneers for a critical Week 17 matchup on Sun., Jan. 1 that could decide the NFC South title.

Hubbard actually led the Panthers in rushing yards, evidencing their struggles in the ground game. Despite that situation, he still made a strong impact as a receiver, going for a game-long gain of 45 yards at one point. Without a double-digit touch count like in his two games prior, however, Hubbard's output came from fewer opportunities.

Hubbard scored from two yards to begin the second quarter. The tailback tied teammate D'Onta Foreman for Carolina's lead in rushing yards, although Hubbard did so from seven fewer carries. With the Panthers totaling 46 rushing attempts, there were plenty of opportunities to go around, as third-stringer Raheem Blackshear even carried four times for 32 yards and a score. However, thanks to his contribution in the passing game, Hubbard was the most productive member of the backfield, turning in an impressive Week 14 performance.