Carolina Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard expected ready for season opener

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced that starting running back Chuba Hubbard is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears on September 13. Hubbard has been sidelined during training camp due to a hamstring strain, but Canales noted that the player is ahead of schedule and has recently reached speeds of 20 mph in straight runs.

Hubbard expressed that while he feels healthy and ready to return to practice, the coaching and training staff are being cautious to avoid the lingering issues he experienced after returning too early from an injury last season.

The Panthers plan to utilize a timeshare in the backfield between Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks. Brooks, a former second-round draft pick, is viewed as a more explosive option despite having dealt with knee injuries during his first two professional seasons.