Fantasy managers with Chuba Hubbard on their rosters were excited to hear of Carolina's decision to trade star RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers last week. That excitement grew when Hubbard was named the Panthers' starter for their Week 7 clash against the Tampa Bay Bucs. Hubbard responded well, posting 73 total yards and a TD on 12 total opportunities against Tampa Bay.
Unfortunately, Hubbard left the game against the Bucs in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. Carolina's D'Onta Foreman handled the carries for the remainder of the game.
How significant is Hubbard's injury? What is his fantasy football outlook for this coming week?
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Is Chuba Hubbard Injured?
Hubbard's fantasy managers experienced a true roller coaster of emotions in Week 7, as Hubbard was named the starter and performed well in an expanded role for Carolina, but was forced to leave the game early with an ankle injury.
Fortunately, it looks as though Hubbard's injury is just a minor ankle sprain. Following Carolina's surprising victory over Tampa Bay, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Hubbard could have returned to the game if necessary.
Panthers’ RB Chuba Hubbard did not finish today’s 21-3 win over Tampa due to a “minor sprain” of his ankle, but he “could have come back in if needed,” per source. This bodes well for the running back who started today’s game for Carolina.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 24, 2022
Chuba Hubbard Fantasy Football Outlook
It looks as though fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, as it appears Hubbard has dodged a serious injury. That said, it would be wise to monitor his practice status throughout the week as Carolina prepares for a Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Hubbard's managers should be more concerned with what's shaping up to be a true 50/50 timeshare in the Carolina backfield. Despite being named the starter in Week 7, Hubbard garnered a 46% snap share, while backfield mate D'Onta Foreman was on the field for 54% of the Panthers' snaps. It appears that this will remain a "running back by committee" situation for the foreseeable future. Assuming Hubbard's ankle is ready to go against the Falcons in Week 8, he should be considered no more than a FLEX option due to the expected usage split with Foreman.
Chuba Hubbard reportedly has an ankle injury, but with that being said: 46% snap share for Hubbard today; 54% for D'Onta Foreman. Per @numberFire's expected points model, Hubbard had a 67% Success Rate. Foreman was at 27%. Eg, big plays saved Foreman.
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) October 23, 2022
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