Is Chuba Hubbard playing today? Why Panthers RB is off to slow start in wild-card game

Mike Moraitis

Is Chuba Hubbard playing today? Why Panthers RB is off to slow start in wild-card game image

Chuba Hubbard entered the 2025 campaign as the unquestioned starter in the Carolina Panthers' backfield.

However, a multi-game absence during the season opened the door for Rico Dowdle to take his job, and that is exactly what happened after Dowdle went on a truly generational run while Hubbard was out.

So, it comes as no surprise that Hubbard hasn't done anything early on in the wild-card game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Here's a closer look at what's happening.

Is Chuba Hubbard playing today?

Yes, Hubbard is active and healthy, he just didn't see the field on Carolina's first drive. Instead, Dowdle got the start, as expected. It also didn't help that the Panthers didn't record a first down on the opening series.

We'll see if Hubbard gets going soon, but we wouldn't expect much out of him on Saturday now that he's the RB2.

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