Analysis

Hubbard put together a career-best season for the Panthers, rushing for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns on 250 carries while adding 171 yards and one touchdown on 43 receptions. However, the 25-year-old will finish the campaign on IR after suffering a Grade 2 calf strain late in the season. Since Hubbard won't need surgery on either the calf or the knee, he's likely to be ready to play by the start of the 2025 campaign. He's expected to be Carolina's top running back next season after signing a four-year contract extension this November.

Analysis

Hubbard, who was limited at practice Friday, was initially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. However, after practice Hubbard noted that he was dealing with some pain, and an MRI Friday night revealed a Grade 2 calf strain. With Hubbard sidelined for Carolina's final two games, Raheem Blackshear, as well as practice squad members Mike Boone and Emani Bailey, are next up for the team's backfield work. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Blackshear and Boone (pending his elevation) are likely to share RB duties versus Tampa Bay.

Analysis

Per Pelissero, the injury that is slated to lead to the anticipated roster move is not considered major, but the 4-11 Panthers, who are not in playoff contention, don't want to make it worse. In Hubbard's looming absence for the team's final two games, Raheem Blackshear is on track to see an expanded role, with Mike Boone and Emani Bailey candidates to be elevated from Carolina's practice squad.

Analysis

Hubbard's listed DNP on Wednesday was attributed to rest, but he's since managed a pair of limited sessions due to a knee injury, leaving his status up in the air for Week 17. The Panthers will confirm his availability, or lack thereof, about 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff. If he's able to suit up, Hubbard will be taking on a Buccaneers defense that contained him to 43 yards on 12 carries back in Week 13.

Analysis

Hubbard was listed as a non-participant on the Panthers' first Week 17 injury report Wednesday with rest, so it's unclear if his practice restrictions a day later are related to maintenance or indicative of a potential health concern suffered during Thursday's session. Friday's practice report could provide clarity on that front for a running back that's coming off his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the campaign this past Sunday against the Cardinals.

Analysis

Hubbard was the hero for Carolina in Sunday's unlikely victory when he ripped off a pair of huge runs on consecutive plays in overtime that culminated in the game-winning score. The breakout fantasy star was coming off of his worst performance since Week 1 (10-32-0 in Week 15), so Sunday's outburst was reassuring for fantasy managers still vying for a championship this season. Hubbard and the Panthers can continue playing the role of spoiler against the Buccaneers next Sunday after successfully knocking the Cardinals out of playoff contention.

Analysis

Hubbard led the backfield as expected with Jonathon Brooks (knee) sidelined. However, he couldn't get things going, in large part because Carolina ran only 50 offensive plays. That led to his lowest yardage output on the ground since Week 1. Positively, Hubbard did remain involved as a pass catcher, as this marked his third game with at least four catches in his last five matchups.

Analysis

Hubbard has established himself as the clear No. 1 option leading the Panthers' rushing attack this season, and he rushed 26 times for 92 yards and one touchdown versus Philadelphia, but there had been an assumption that Brooks' involvement would ramp up down the stretch. With the rookie second-round pick having re-torn his right ACL, though, Carolina's roster no longer features anyone even resembling a threat to Hubbard's dominant share of reps. Raheem Blackshear (chest) is considered day-to-day, while veteran Miles Sanders (ankle) won't be eligible to come off IR until Week 16 against Arizona, at the earliest. Head coach Dave Canales said practice-squad player Mike Boone currently is in line to handle the No. 2 role behind Hubbard at practice and potentially Week 15 versus Dallas, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

Analysis

Rookie Jonathon Brooks left the game in the first quarter with an injury to his right knee, the same one he had ACL surgery on about a year ago, while depth RB Raheem Blackshear was also knocked out of the game early with a chest injury. That left Hubbard as Carolina's only option in the backfield, and he turned the extra volume into his best performance since Week 10. The fourth-year back also crossed 1,000 rushing yards on the season, the first time in his career he's reached that plateau. If Brooks' injury proves to be serious, Hubbard is likely headed for a heavy workload again in Week 15 against the Cowboys.