The Carolina Panthers are feeling good after a big win last weekend.
The Panthers welcomed the division rival Atlanta Falcons to town and thoroughly beat them 30-0. In that game, running back Chuba Hubbard played a big role.
The starting running back rushed 17 times for 73 yards and also caught two passes. The team will need the running back going forward, which is why fans were concerned when Hubbard appeared on the injury report this week.
Hubbard is dealing with a calf issue and was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. In the team's latest injury report, Hubbard was listed as questionable, so will he play against the New England Patriots?
Here's what we know
Is Chuba Hubbard playing today?
According to ESPN's David Newton, Hubbard is indeed expected to play.
"Running back Chuba Hubbard and WR Tetairoa McMillan are listed as questionable for the Panthers on Sunday, but I expect both to play," Newton wrote.
Head coach Dave Canales referred to Hubbard's injury as just "some soreness," so at this point, it should be expected that Hubbard will still be the team's primary back this weekend.
Why it matters
Hubbard is the leading rusher for the Panthers this season and is also third on the team in receptions.
Hubbard has double the carries of backup running back Rico Dowdle, and he's averaging four yards per carry. The running back is a reliable and experienced option who helps out in multiple ways on offense.
Fantasy football start or sit: Chuba Hubbard
According to Fantasy Pros, Hubbard ranks as RB11 overall in PPR formats through three games, which would typically make him a must-start in fantasy.
However, the Cleveland Browns are the only team who's allowing fewer rushing yards per game than the Patriots. That, combined with Hubbard's sore calf, point to it being a wise decision to sit him this week.
Who is Chuba Hubbard's handcuff?
It would appear that Rico Dowdle is Hubbard's handcuff. Dowdle is second on the team in carries and is clearly the RB2 in Carolina.
Dowdle has 19 carries for 51 yards and one touchdown so far. However, Dowdle did go over 1,000 yards last season, so he's been a relevant fantasy option before.