4 Panthers players who surprised in preseason win at Commanders

Carolina Panthers backup RBs

With Christian McCaffrey sitting out of this preseason tilt the Carolina Panthers’ run game wasn’t expected to have a huge day. Something that looked likely when Chuba Hubbard and D’Onta Foreman struggled in the first half and failed to make a positive impact whatsoever.

Hubbard had four carries for 11 rushing yards in the first half. He was Carolina’s leading rusher at halftime, speaking to the lack of impact the starting running backs had for the Panthers early on.

Foreman somehow managed to make Hubbard’s first-half performance look competent averaging 1.7 yards-per-carry. Part of Carolina’s problem offensively last season was the fact that without McCaffrey the team was unable to generate a consistent ground game.

Much of this has to do with blocking. But to see both backups failing to make a notable impression is slightly problematic when one considers the need to take pressure off McCaffrey in 2022.

While some struggles were to be expected, just how ineffective these two running backs were in early action was concerning even if it is only the preseason. The Panthers might need to consider adding more depth to the position if Foreman continues this form throughout their warmups.

Hubbard will continue to be given opportunities in hopes the Carolina draft pick can grow into the complimentary back he was drafted to be alongside McCaffrey.