Panthers expect starting RB Chuba Hubbard to be ready for the season opener vs. the Bears

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard is expected to be ready for the team's Sept. 13 season opener against the Chicago Bears, coach Dave Canales said Monday.

Hubbard strained his hamstring earlier this month in training camp and has yet to play in a preseason game while working his way back to full strength.

Canales said Hubbard is progressing well. His speed is there, but the team has been reluctant to put him in contact drills.

“He's expected to be ready for Week 1," Canales said. "He hit over 20 miles per hour the other day, but that is on a controlled setting and right now we don't want to put him back out there for someone to pull on his jersey and for him to have to pull his way through that. But he's ahead of schedule and he's doing a great job.”

Hubbard ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, but a calf injury limited him to 511 yards and one score last season. Rico Dowdle excelled in Hubbard's absence in 2025, compiling 652 yards from scrimmage during one three-game stretch, but eventually took a back seat to Hubbard down the stretch.

Dowdle was unhappy about his reduced role in the offense late last season and left Carolina to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.

When asked how he’s feeling with the season opener approaching, Hubbard grinned and said, “pretty good.”

“I think the training and coaching staff are just trying to take care of me,” Hubbard said. “Last year I came back a little early and it kind of lingered on a little bit. So I think it's them protecting me from myself a little bit. But I feel good and feel healthy and I’m looking forward to Week 1.”

Hubbard is expected to share carries with Jonathon Brooks, a former second-round draft pick who has struggled with knee injuries during his first two seasons in the league.

Brooks is viewed as a more explosive option in the backfield, but he has only run nine times for 22 yards since coming to Carolina in 2024.

Now entering his sixth season, Hubbard is viewed as one of the leaders on a Panthers team that won the NFC South last season and, despite an 8-9 record, nearly upset the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the playoffs.

“Since I came to Carolina as a rookie that is something that I brought with me,” Hubbard said. “As a rookie, obviously a guy speaking up and being rah-rah, a lot of guys didn't like that. But a big thing with me is I wanted to win and change the culture in Carolina.”

Legette sidelined with foot injury

Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette, the team's first-round pick in 2024, suffered a foot injury in Carolina's preseason win over Jacksonville that will keep him out of the remainder of the preseason.

Legette currently has a boot on his foot.

Decision on starters' playing time vs. Houston undecided

Carolina's starters are expected to see extensive work during Wednesday's joint practice with the Houston Texans in Charlotte. If all goes well, they won't play in the preseason finale.

“Yeah, that’s still up in the air,” Canales said after Monday's full-pad practice. “Honestly, we have a really, really intense practice planned with the Texans on Wednesday. So, depending on how we come out of that, if we get the volume that we’re looking for, the odds are they won’t play. ... But we’re going to make that decision after the practice.”

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