Chuba Hubbard injury update: Latest on Panthers RB for Fantasy Football Week 17

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's breakout season has come to an abrupt end. The NFL's sixth-leading rusher will head to injured reserve with calf and knee injuries, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday.

The news blindsided fantasy managers after Panthers head coach Dave Canales suggested Friday that Hubbard would play against Tampa Bay. The running back had participated in practice Thursday and Friday, though in limited capacity.

Initial signs pointed to Chuba Hubbard playing in Week 17. He followed his usual routine of resting Wednesday, then returned for limited practice sessions on Thursday and Friday. His knee injury reportedly surfaced during Thursday's practice.

NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers - Source: Imagn

This injury declaration comes fresh off Chuba Hubbard's spectacular Week 16 performance. He powered through the Arizona Cardinals' defense for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-winning 21-yard sprint in overtime.

Fantasy managers must now pivot quickly. The Panthers (4-11) list only Raheem Blackshear on their active roster for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers. Mike Boone and Emani Bailey are on the practice squad.

Chuba Hubbard's record chase falls short

NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers - Source: Imagn

The timing stings particularly hard for Canadian football fans. Chuba Hubbard stood just 159 yards shy of breaking Rueben Mayes' Canadian-born NFL rushing record of 1,353 yards. This setback halts his chance of making history in the final two games.

Mayes himself backed Hubbard's pursuit of the 38-year-old mark:

"I'm cheering for him to do it," Mayes said before the injury news broke. "I did what I did 38 years ago and being the first [Canadian] to do it, I feel a lot of pride about that. But now it's Chuba's time."

The Oklahoma State product's journey from fourth-round draft pick to NFL rushing leader showcases his remarkable development. As a rookie in 2021, he stepped up when Christian McCaffrey went down, recording 612 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 17 games.

His 2024 campaign proved even more impressive. Hubbard hit the 1,000 scrimmage yard milestone for the second consecutive season during Week 12's clash against Kansas City. His consistency earned him a lucrative four-year, $33.2 million extension with Carolina.

Week 16's masterclass against Arizona, which earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, served as his season finale. Hubbard's 25-carry, 152-yard performance not only secured an overtime victory but also knocked the Cardinals out of playoff contention.

The Panthers now face a crucial divisional matchup against Tampa Bay without their star rusher. The Buccaneers currently share the NFC South lead with Atlanta, adding extra weight to Sunday's contest.