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Chuba Hubbard A Fantasy RB1 In Week 6 Matchup at Eagles
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is looking like a steal in fantasy football yet again. He's the RB6 in PPR fantasy points per game, with 19.8, and doesn't have to worry about RB Jonathon Brooks (core) siphoning away his touches, as he's out for an extended period with a core injury. Hubbard could see a huge workload against the Eagles, who will be without their starting quarterback for the game. Carolina should be able to build a lead and focus on hanging on to the ball and grinding the clock down late in the game, as the Eagles will be without their starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts (calf). Philly's offense hasn't even been great with Hurts on the field, and they'll also be missing their lead running back, Saquon Barkley (hamstring). Expect another contest with 20 or more touches for Hubbard and another top-10 finish as a result.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jonathon Brooks Spotted Jogging at Thursday's Practice
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) was spotted jogging at Thursday's practice, according to Sheena Quick, an encouraging development in his recovery from a core-muscle injury. Brooks aggravated a lingering groin issue during Carolina's Week 2 victory over Atlanta and underwent surgery after being placed on injured reserve September 23. Head coach Dave Canales initially estimated a six-to-eight-week recovery period, so Thursday's activity shouldn't be confused with a return to regular practice. The 23-year-old has appeared in just five NFL games since being selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, having previously endured two ACL tears. He managed nine carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 43 yards in two appearances this season before getting hurt. Chuba Hubbard continues to lead Carolina's backfield, while AJ Dillon (ankle) is dealing with an injury of his own. Trevor Etienne (ankle) also had his practice window opened earlier this week. Brooks remains without a confirmed return date, and his immediate redraft value is limited until there's more substantial progress in his recovery.
Source: Sheena Quick
Source: Sheena Quick
Chuba Hubbard Emerging as One of the Biggest Steals in Fantasy Football
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has drastically exceeded expectations this season. The 27-year-old has 306 rushing yards, 10 catches, 84 receiving yards, and five touchdowns through four games in 2026, establishing himself as a steal relative to his price tag in 2026 fantasy drafts. He ranks as the overall RB6 so far in terms of half-PPR points per game. Hubbard has faced minimal competition for touches all season long, and his role became even more clearly defined in Week 3 when Jonathon Brooks (core) was placed on injured reserve. Volume-wise, over his last two games, Hubbard stole the show with an 84% overall snap share and 44 total touches. There is no reason to leave Hubbard on the bench in fantasy football as long as he continues to produce at a decent level. He'll rank as a fringe top-10 fantasy running back rest-of-season, starting with a Week 6 matchup against the struggling Philadelphia Eagles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Dillon Spotted in Walking Boot on Monday
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (foot/ankle) walked into his team's locker room on Monday wearing a walking boot on his right foot, according to ESPN's Mike Kaye. Dillon has played a limited role in the Carolina backfield so far this season, recording 43 rushing yards on 17 carries across four games. However, the 28-year-old currently profiles as the Panthers RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard while fellow Carolina back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) remains on Injured Reserve. If Dillon is forced to miss time, unproven back Anthony Tyus III would be the lone healthy back remaining behind Hubbard on Carolina's active roster. Hubbard has already dominated backfield touches for the Panthers this season and been productive, recording 390 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns through four games. Without any competition for him in Carolina, Hubbard profiles as a must-start running back for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
AJ Dillon Remains Handcuff to Chuba Hubbard in Week 4
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon had four carries for 16 yards and one catch for negative two yards in the 21-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns. With running back Jonathon Brooks (core) on injured reserve, Dillon is filling in as Chuba Hubbard's backup. The former Packers back played just 16% of snaps in Week 3, while Hubbard played 84%. They face a Detroit Lions defense that has allowed the 13th fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. However, rain is expected, and head coach Dave Canales said the run game will be integral to Sunday night's outcome. While he's strictly a handcuff to Hubbard, Dillon is a name to monitor in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chuba Hubbard a Must-Start in Week 4
The table is set for Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard to have a big Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. Hubbard has had a steady start to his 2026 campaign after a thigh/hamstring strain in the preseason, but he broke out in Week 3 with 19 carries for 93 yards and a receiving touchdown. The Lions are allowing 117.3 rushing yards per game and have allowed the most explosive plays through Week 3 (8.8%). Plus, his versatile offensive playing abilities give Bryce Young another target against a Detroit defense that is allowing the most passing yards in the NFL this season. Hubbard is a lock to start in Week 4 across fantasy formats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chuba Hubbard the Clear Workhorse in Carolina
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard appears to be the team's workhorse, with Jonathon Brooks (core) on injured reserve. In three games this season, Hubbard has logged 41 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown, plus nine receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Although he didn't score in Week 3's loss to the Cleveland Browns, he was the clear RB1, playing 84% of the snaps, 82% of the backfield opportunities, and most of the pass-catching work. With Brooks out 6-8 weeks, we should continue to see this elite usage for Hubbard through most of the fantasy season. As he faces the Detroit Lions in Week 4, Hubbard factors in as an RB2 with upside if he can find the end zone.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Dillon to Receive More Run but Remain Off Fantasy Radar in Week 3
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon is stepping into the team's No. 2 role with running back Jonathon Brooks (core) set to miss extended time. However, this will likely remain the Chuba Hubbard show in Carolina's backfield, and Dillon is not on the fantasy radar in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. Hubbard figures to receive the lion's share of work in Carolina's backfield. Dillon could find his way into a goal line role given his massive frame, but fantasy managers would be in a better position to wait and see what will happen before even rostering Dillon. For now, leave Dillon on waivers and watch how the snap share shakes out in Week 3.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chuba Hubbard Poised for Another RB2 Outing in Week 3
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard should be an RB2 with upside for more in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. Hubbard will have the backfield to himself with Jonathon Brooks (core) heading to IR. Hubbard has only received 22 carries to begin the year, but that figures to creep up without Brooks in the lineup. Most importantly, Hubbard has been efficient as a receiver. He has caught all five of his targets for 49 yards and two touchdowns to begin the season. While we cannot expect Hubbard to score an average of one receiving touchdown per game, he should have plenty of scoring opportunities as a rusher this week against a Browns defense allowing 131.5 rushing yards per game through two weeks. As a whole, the Panthers' offense should be able to move the ball this weekend, and Hubbard will certainly benefit. Fire him up as an RB2 this week with the potential for a top 12 finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chuba Hubbard Gets the Backfield All to Himself
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard was already atop the depth chart, but he could evolve into an every-down back now that one of his teammates is injured. Jonathan Brooks (core) was placed on injured reserve, which means he'll miss at least four games. The latest reporting, however, indicates that his injury will likely keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks. That leaves Hubbard in line to operate as the primary running back with minimal competition through mid-November. Hubbard has been impressive so far this season, scoring three touchdowns and contributing at least 14.4 PPR points in each of his two games. He ranks as the overall RB8 in PPR leagues so far, and he should continue to produce as a high-end RB2 with top-12 upside going forward. He's in must-start territory for a very favorable Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who just surrendered 89 rushing yards (5.24 YPC) to Bucky Irving.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler Works Out for Panthers on Wednesday, No Deal Imminent
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, per Mike Kaye of ESPN. Kaye reports that Ekeler's workout "went well" but that the veteran back "will not be signing" on Wednesday. Ekeler has not appeared in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear while playing for the Washington Commanders. However, the 31-year-old was productive in a part-time role with Washington in 2024, recording 367 rushing yards, 366 receiving yards, and four touchdowns on 112 touches across 12 games. The Panthers are set to be without running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) for six to eight weeks after Brooks underwent core muscle surgery. If signed, Ekeler would likely step in as the passing-down complement to Carolina RB1 Chuba Hubbard. While Hubbard would still likely shoulder early-down and goal-line work, his fantasy outlook would take a hit if the Panthers bring in Ekeler.
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Jonathon Brooks Could Miss Eight Weeks After Core-Muscle Surgery
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that the timeline for running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen, groin) to return after undergoing core-muscle surgery is six to eight weeks, per Steve Reed of The Associated Press. Per Reed, Canales said that the return timeline with or without the surgery "would have been about the same," prompting the team to take the surgical route. It's the latest in a long line of injury setbacks for Brooks, who has appeared in just five games since Carolina selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Across two games in 2026 before getting injured, the 23-year-old recorded nine carries for 30 yards and two catches for 43 yards on three targets. With Brooks sidelined, Panthers RB1 Chuba Hubbard could take on an even larger share of the team's backfield work. Carolina also hosted veteran running back Austin Ekeler for a workout on Wednesday, but no deal between the two parties has been announced yet.
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
AJ Dillon's Insurance Value on the Rise
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon has carried the ball only eight times for 25 yards through the first two weeks of the season, but with Jonathon Brooks (core) set to undergo core muscle surgery and expected to miss at least six weeks, the sixth-year veteran should see his insurance value rise as a direct handcuff to Chuba Hubbard. As the clear backfield leader to start the year, Hubbard has handled 56.4% of the team's running back rush share and finished as a top-10 back in each of the first two weeks. Unlikely to carve out a significant role of his own in an offense that has been surprisingly pass-heavy to date, Dillon holds little standalone value, but should Hubbard miss time, he stands to be in line for the bulk of the team's running back workload. The Panthers reportedly worked out 31-year-old free agent Austin Ekeler on Wednesday, so that situation bears monitoring. Still, for the time being, Dillon is a worthy end-of-bench stash in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler Working Out for the Panthers
Free agent running back Austin Ekeler is set to work out for the Carolina Panthers later on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Ekeler has been a free agent for the entire 2026 season and has not stepped onto an NFL field since Week 2 of the 2025 season. In his last NFL game, Ekeler sustained a serious Achilles tear, which cut his season short. However, the veteran back is attempting to make a comeback to the NFL. Ekeler would be a necessary addition for the Panthers, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network recently reported that Jonathon Brooks is set to undergo core muscle surgery, which will keep him out for at least six weeks. In the 2024 season, Ekeler played a key role in Washington's run to the NFC Championship Game, taking 77 carries for 364 yards and four scores and catching 35 passes for another 356 yards. If Ekeler were to join the Panthers, he would likely take some third-down opportunities, away from the workhorse Chuba Hubbard.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Jonathon Brooks to Undergo Core Surgery, to Miss at Least Six Weeks
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (core) is set to undergo core muscle surgery, which will place him on the injured reserve. Per Rapoport, the young running back is expected to miss at least six weeks, but should be able to contribute down the stretch. This is a tough blow for Brooks, who has dealt with many serious injuries throughout his career. He joined the Panthers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft but has appeared in only five regular-season games in his career, two of them being this season. In Week 1, Brooks took only four carries but made a splash in the receiving game, catching one pass for 48 yards. In Week 2, Brooks took only five carries before exiting early. With Brooks now in line to miss nearly half of the season, Chuba Hubbard should operate as the clear workhorse and carry weekly RB2 upside given his projected workload.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
