Panthers Running Back in Boot, Could Miss Week 8

The Carolina Panthers are coming off the most satisfying and impressive win of their season after beating their NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21-3 in Week 7, but it appears one of the game's key players won't get a chance to build on his momentum. Running back Chuba Hubbard was seen in a boot in the team's locker room on Thursday, casting doubt over his availability for Week 8.

Chuba Hubbard just walked through the locker room with a boot on his left leg
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) October 27, 2022

Hubbard contributed 63 yards at an efficient 7.0 yards per carry clip in Sunday's win. It was the first game since the team traded away All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. Hubbard's usage implied he could see significant touches going forward, but his left leg injury could mean D'Onta Foreman will see the lion's share of the carries.

Hubbard joined the Panthers as their 126th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He contributed an impressive 786 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns as a rookie, but he underperformed on a per-touch basis, averaging 3.6 yards per carry and 4.7 yards per target. He has acquitted himself better so far this year, averaging an explosive 6.5 yards per carry.