Chuba Hubbard addressed ongoing discussions about the division of carries between himself and Rico Dowdle following the Carolina Panthers’ Week 8 game against the Buffalo Bills. Hubbard, who began the season as the starting running back, missed two games due to a calf injury. During his absence, Dowdle delivered consecutive performances with over 200 yards from scrimmage, setting a franchise record and entering the league’s Top 5 in rushing.
Despite sharing carries since Hubbard’s return, Dowdle has maintained his position among league leaders with 605 total rushing yards. However, his production has declined in recent weeks, recording 79 yards and then 54 yards in the last two games. This shift has prompted questions about whether the Panthers should adjust their approach and give more carries to whichever player is performing best at the time.
Head coach Dave Canales commented on Monday that Dowdle’s performance cannot be overlooked as they prepare for an upcoming matchup against the NFC-leading Green Bay Packers. “Chuba has meant a lot to this organization, certainly to the identity that we want to build our team on,” Canales said Monday. “And wanted to give Chuba the opportunity to go out there and to continue to impact our team in a positive way.
“We cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional in a couple of games and then in the opportunities he’s had over the last two weeks.”
Hubbard emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to team success regardless of how carries are distributed. “I mean, whatever, whether it’s 70/30, 50/50, 100 my way or Rico’s way, whatever it is, my focus is winning,” Hubbard promised. “My main focus is never solely about me. It’s always about the team and winning games.”
He also spoke about his consistent work ethic: “To be honest, I mean, you guys have obviously known me for the last four or five years. I’m someone who prides myself on work, work, work, work,” said Hubbard.
“Everything I do—I’m a man of faith, a follower of Christ, and whatever my journey comes with, I take the good and the bad. So, in moments like this, I just continue to work. I’ve been through worse days and worse things, and people have scrutinized me for stuff all five years I’ve been here.
“But one thing is I just pride myself on my work, like I said, and also just helping us get wins here. So I do whatever it takes and just continue with that mindset.”
Hubbard noted that relationships within the running back group remain strong despite changes in playing time: “I don’t think relationships or anything have changed,” assured Hubbard. “They never do. We all are just committed to winning and doing the best that we can do to help the team win. So at the end of the day we’re all brothers. We’ve all worked together, been with each other for some time now. So regardless of everything else going on we’re still a tight-knit group.”
Hubbard reported feeling fully recovered from his calf injury: “I felt like this past week I had a great week of practice. I felt in the game I was making cuts, running hard. I’ve got to keep stacking weeks now.” He currently has accumulated 282 rushing yards with one touchdown along with 118 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Looking ahead at possible adjustments based on current performance trends—where Dowdle may receive more carries—Hubbard reiterated his commitment: “Like I said I pride myself on my work,” said Hubbard. “And just helping my team get what needs to be done. And whatever that looks like you know I’ve always been committed to that since I’ve been in Carolina so that’s where my mind is.”
