5 Panthers players who went missing during 2022 training camp

Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB

The gauntlet was laid down in no uncertain terms to Chuba Hubbard this offseason. An indifferent rookie campaign filling in for Christian McCaffrey left those in power with no alternative other than to bring in another option, with D’Onta Foreman staking a strong case throughout an impressive campaign for the running back right out of the gate.

Hubbard has had some nice moments, albeit less fleeting. But aside from a pass that was dropped in customary fashion for the Oklahoma State product, his name hasn’t come up all that much down the stretch.

Unless something drastic changes, then Hubbard could be the No. 3 running back behind McCaffrey and Foreman. Not exactly ideal for someone who had got so many carries over his first season with the Carolina Panthers, but it’s another strong indicator of the improved options at the team’s disposal heading into the 2022 season.

There is arguably no player on the Panthers who needs a strong preseason more than Hubbard. The 2021 fourth-round pick has to make his carries count, demonstrate improvements in contact balance, and also become an assured pair of hands in the passing game for good measure.

It won’t be easy. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

But make no mistake, Hubbard’s involvement next season depends on it.