Running back Chuba Hubbard took part in practice on Wednesday, after sitting out the last two games with a calf injury. The Carolina Panthers indeed had him logged as a limited participant — by far his most optimistic representation to date since more than two weeks ago. Although disappointed with their performance, the team is preparing to respond against the New York Jets this Sunday. Hubbard is hopeful that he’ll be good to go once the music starts playing.
Hubbard’s absence was particularly glaring as he started the first four games of the season, racking up 217 rushing yards on the ground. His play soon made him the linchpin of the Panthers’ offense—the first black player to be the centerpiece for a major college power. His latest injury put him on the disabled list. That left an opportunity for undrafted rookie Rico Dowdle, who has emerged in Pollard’s place. Dowdle’s 172 rushing yards in the previous contest far surpassed Hubbard’s cumulative rushing yardage.
Hubbard’s return is a good dilemma for the coaching staff to have. Their challenge will be learning how to best work both players into their game plan. One thing is clear to these running backs—their team’s success has to come first. To them, winning matters more than just becoming the starting quarterback. Dowdle stated, “It’s going to allow us both to be fresh throughout the whole game,” emphasizing a collaborative approach.
In a recent interview, Coach Dave Canales accepted the reality of the roster, reiterating Hubbard’s importance on and off the field. He stated, “He earned the right to help this team, and he will.” As for the impacts these changes are having already, Canales stressed the need to review today’s dynamics without rushing to judgment based on previous years’ performances.
“I don’t like to paint myself into a box to say a guy can’t lose his job to injury,” Canales added. “That’s a dangerous spot to put yourself in when a person shows you what they can do.” He is dedicated to a flexible strategy based on players’ skills and form, and goes with it. He’s a proponent of keeping things fluid over rigidly adhering to previous positions.
As game day continues to get closer and closer, Hubbard is still optimistic he’ll be able to play. He stated that it does not matter who starts, as long as “we all are getting the ball and things like that … helping the team win.” This consistent theme from Hubbard to Dowdle emphasizes their mutual dedication to team achievement rather than personal glory.
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