5 initial observations from Panthers unofficial 2021 depth chart

Reggie Bonnafon is Carolina Panthers RB2 (for now)

Chuba Hubbard has had some nice moments throughout training camp so far. The Carolina Panthers are expecting the fourth-round pick to become the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey sooner rather than later, but much will depend on how the player performs in the preseason.

The Panthers’ unofficial depth chart actually listed Reggie Bonnafon as RB2 initially. Something of a shock considering the hype surrounding Hubbard and where Carolina picked him up.

Bonnafon didn’t play much of a part in 2020 after failing to make the team early and getting injured when opportunity knocked in McCaffrey’s absence. Carolina saw enough in the player to give him another shot this time around and he did do well in 2019 during his limited time on the field.

Reading too much into this particular situation would be a mistake. It’ll be a huge shock if Hubbard isn’t backing up McCaffrey right out of the gate, although Bonnafon might fancy his chances of holding onto the job if he catches the eye in warmup games.

This is a big confidence boost to Bonnafon if nothing else. What comes next for the player in the weeks ahead will be more important and should ultimately determine his fate.