Is Chuba Hubbard playing today? Why Panthers RB is off to quiet start in Week 18

Mike Moraitis

Is Chuba Hubbard playing today? Why Panthers RB is off to quiet start in Week 18 image

The Carolina Panthers entered the 2025 campaign with running back Chuba Hubbard as the unquestioned starter.

However, after Hubbard suffered an injury during the season, fellow running back Rico Dowdle crowbarred his way into a more significant role by putting together some generational performances.

That has seriously limited Hubbard's opportunities in the second half of the season and he is now operating as the team's No. 2 back.

And we're seeing that once again early on in the Week 18 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as Hubbard is off to a slow start.

Is Chuba Hubbard playing today?

Yes, Hubbard is active and healthy, he just didn't get the start over Dowdle, who saw two carries on the first drive. Hubbard did, however, see one target, which he turned into one catch for two yards.

We'll see if Hubbard can garner more work this week, but we wouldn't hold our breath for that.

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Staff Writer