Panthers' running back Hubbard week to week with hamstring injury

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is week to week with a hamstring strain, coach Dave Canales told reporters Thursday. Hubbard felt the injury during training camp Wednesday in Charlotte, N.C. Canales said he is "very confident" Hubbard will be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 13 against the Chicago Bears.

Hubbard was listed as the top running back on the Panthers' first unofficial depth chart for 2026. He split time with Rico Dowdle last season. Jonathan Brooks, a second-round pick in 2024, is listed with the second team. Brooks missed most of his rookie season with an ACL tear and then missed the entire 2025 season after retearing the same ACL. Canales said Brooks will start Saturday against the Buffalo Bills in the Panthers' second preseason game. Trevor Etienne and A.J. Dillon are expected to get more reps behind Brooks.