Chuba Hubbard is making encouraging progress from a hamstring injury. But when the running back returns, he is no longer the undisputed bell-cow in the Carolina Panthers' backfield.
And that's not a bad thing.
Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that the plan is to move forward with a committee approach. It's a long season, and there will be plenty of work for Hubbard. But the return to full health of 2024 second-round pick Jonathon Brooks has shifted the landscape considerably.
Carolina Panthers finally have a 1-2 backfield punch worth believing in
For the Panthers, it's a major boost.
They traded up to secure Brooks, knowing he was dealing with a torn ACL that ended his final college campaign at Texas. He sustained the same injury on the same knee in only his third game back, missing the entire 2025 campaign as a result.
It's been a long, grueling road. Brooks got cleared just before OTAs, and it's been all systems go ever since. The Panthers have taken things gradually. But after coming through live-fire contact in the preseason unscathed, the third-year pro is finally ready to be unleashed.
Hubbard will take some pressure off. But instead of taking the selfish approach to sharing the workload, the former Oklahoma State standout knows just how hard Brooks has worked for this, and he has nothing but admiration for his teammate.
"He's been through so much. I think people don't realize, one, obviously that side of things, but also the injury side of things and how that can just weigh on you. Not everybody can come back from that, so I think it's just a testament to who he is, not just as a football player but also a person."
A special bond has been built. Hubbard provided the support system Brooks desperately needed. It's also a sign of the veteran's growing leadership, which makes him an integral part of the locker room culture.
Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks have a special bond that goes beyond football
If Hubbard and Brooks can stay healthy throughout the entire campaign, the Panthers will have a legitimate 1-2 punch at running back. Their skill sets complement each other well, and having to account for them could potentially open things up for more play-action and chances downfield along the way.
Hubbard is the more physical presence in between the tackles. Brooks is the home-run threat who can also make a real difference in the passing game. The Panthers also have Trevor Etienne and maybe even A.J. Dillon to lean on, depending on how many running backs go through onto the 53-man roster.
Hubbard is the glue guy. Brooks is the wild card.
But both will have important roles to play.
There is an enormous sense of anticipation around Brooks, and rightfully so. He was the best running back in the 2024 class, which has largely been forgotten amid his constant injury woes that saw him plunge into an afterthought.
Now is the time to remind everyone. Having someone like Hubbard alongside him is the best confidence boost imaginable.
If new play-caller Brad Idzik plays this right, it's got the scope to be a game-changer. But health will be the most important thing.
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